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 Corporal Gustave Albert Michalka (ASN: 262200), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company E, 125th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cierges, northeast of Chateau-Thierry, France, 31 July 1918. When his platoon advanced up the slope in front of the Bois les Jomblets, it became necessary to put out of action an enemy machine gun that was cutting up the platoon. Corporal Michalka grasped the situation and at the risk of his own life advanced upon the nest with two of his men, killed the operators, and captured the gun.