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 Earl H. Patterson (ASN: 1253777), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Battery D, 109th Field Artillery, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Apremont, France, 4 October 1918. While acting as runner for the battalion, Corporal Patterson constantly exposed himself to shell fire. While taking a message to the battalion commander at Apremont he was wounded, but, regardless of his own suffering and danger, endeavored to carry a comrade, who was mortally wounded, to a place of safety. He then delivered the message before he would allow his wounds to be dressed.