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 Major (Medical Corps) Hirum E. Ross, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 18th Infantry Regiment (Attached), 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Villers-Tournelle, France, May 3 – 4, 1918. While under heavy bombardment and working in an area saturated with gas, Major Ross showed extreme gallantry and efficiency in caring for the more dangerously wounded, removing his mask at times during the attack to better ascertain the extent of the wound. It was while thus acting that he was severely gassed.