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 George W. Pyrah (ASN: 660663), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company F, 117th Engineers, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Sommerance, France, 15 October 1918. Private Pyrah and three other soldiers were detailed to cut wire in advance of the infantry during an attack on the enemy lines. While carrying out the mission they were fired upon by a machine-gun at close range, which killed one and wounded another. He fired into the nest, wounded the gunner, and disabled the gun, then charged the group with his bayonet and captured three prisoners.