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 First Class Herman J. Plauman (ASN: 261709), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company H, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near St. Gilles, France, 3 August 1918. After having just returned from a hazardous trip through heavy shell fire, Private Plauman volunteered and carried a message to his company commander. As he was about to complete his mission the company commander was mortally wounded by a shell. After administering first aid he reported back to his battalion commander, who, upon noticing that one of the runner’s fingers was missing, ordered him to the rear for treatment.