The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Elmer McCowin (ASN: 104360), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 369th Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Ripont Swamp, France, 26 September 1918. While passing through a swamp where most of the platoon was wounded, Private McCowin dressed the wounds of several of his comrades, and after reaching the shelter of a hill beyond returned repeatedly and assisted many of his comrades to a place of safety. He also carried messages through shell and machine-gun fire after being severely gassed.