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 Major (Infantry) Ward Wright Pierson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Etraye, France, November 8 – 9, 1918. Major Pierson displayed the highest courage and leadership, reconnoitering the enemy positions under heavy shell and machine-gun fire. He was killed while in the performance of this act.