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 Corporal Robert Emmet Purcell (ASN: 2260133), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 362d Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Gesnes, France, 29 September 1918. Early in the engagement on 29 September 1918, Corporal Purcell was wounded by shrapnel in the left shoulder. Despite his wounds he refused to be evacuated and continued in action with his organization until it was relieved about 15 hours later, after which he was sent to the hospital. His courage and devotion to duty were a great inspiration to the members of his organization.