The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Joseph Compton Rowley (ASN: 1746465), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Grand Pre, France, 25 October 1918. Assisting his company commander in organizing positions and liaison, Sergeant Rowley showed great bravery and devotion to duty. Although wounded in the first combat with the enemy, he continued with his work, declining to be evacuated. While patrolling between outposts he was killed.