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 First Class William Murphy (ASN: 88887), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Machine-Gun Company, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Villers-sur-Fere, France, 29 July 1918, and in subsequent operations. As a company runner Private First Class Murphy repeatedly crossed open ground swept by rifle and machine-gun fire. He volunteered to carry messages out of turn, and though longer and safer routes were often available, he chose the shortest, exposing himself continually to expedite the delivery of important messages. He displayed equal bravery in subsequent operations. When his platoon leader was mortally wounded he organized a carrying party to take the officer back to the dressing station through heavy shell fire.