The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Joseph William McConnell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 101st Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in Trugny Woods, France, 20 July 1918. While commanding the 1st Battalion, 101st Infantry, Captain McConnell encountered concentrated enemy machine-gun fire. Without regard for his own personal safety he reconnoitered in person in advance of his own lines, and located heavily entrenched machine-gun positions. Returning he so directed the fire of his own battalion that it and the elements on the right and left were able to advance. He led his battalion successfully through the attack and by his coolness and leadership was an inspiration to his men. Captain McConnell was killed in action on 12 September 1918.