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 Second Lieutenant (Quartermaster Corps) Henry John McGrath, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Quartermaster Corps, Army Transportation Service, American Expeditionary Forces, in action between the United States Army chartered transport AMPHION and an enemy submarine on the high seas on 12 October 1918. In the face of heavy enemy shell fire Second Lieutenant McGrath took charge of and directed the laying of fire hose along the deck and extinguished a fire which had been started by an exploding shell. Exposing himself to exploding shells and without regard for his personal safety, he carried a wounded seaman across the shell-swept deck to a place of safety. During the entire engagement, which lasted one hour and 20 minutes, this officer displayed great coolness, going from place to place about the ship and encouraging the crew at a time when encouragement was sorely needed. His coolness and the effective manner with which he gave orders inspired everyone and greatly aided the escape of the AMPHION.