The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Theodor Petersen (ASN: 1232), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 151st Field Artillery (Attached), 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Pexonne, France, 5 March 1918. After being mortally wounded, Sergeant Petersen gave first gas tests in order to save the lives of the men about him. He died the same night.