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 Mechanic Ralph Thomas Moan (ASN: 69071), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 103d Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Riaville, France, 26 September 1918. Mechanic Moan, who was detailed as a runner, made several trips carrying important messages across terrain swept by constant fire from machine-guns, snipers, trench mortars, and artillery. His disregard for personal safety and devotion to duty in the prompt deli very of messages contributed greatly to the success of the action.