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 Herman George Paustian (ASN: 3085394), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 316th Infantry Regiment, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Verdun, France, 7 November 1918. Private Paustian advanced ahead of his battalion during a heavy barrage trying to locate a small group of Americans, who had become lost. For two days and nights he carried messages from one shell hole to another, having no food or water during that period. His work was carried on under intense bombardment at all times, but with great courage he remained at his task, killing At least two enemy snipers.