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 Walter Blaine Phipps (ASN: 2471739), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Headquarters, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Vilosnes, France, September 27 – 28, 1918. For two days and two nights Private Phipps repeatedly exposed himself to heavy shell -fire in directing and maintaining the battalion relay runner service. He rendered valuable service in carrying messages over fire-swept areas, directing wounded soldiers to the first-aid station, and locating a new aid station when severe bombardment necessitated its removal.