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 Captain (Infantry) Thomas Thornton Reilley, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Villers-sur-Fere, France, on July 27 to 1 August 1918. Wounded and ordered to the rear, Captain Reilley nevertheless remained with his men in an exposed and dangerous position, which it was necessary to hold, His presence and example held his company fast against continuous fire.