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 (Field Artillery) Alvan Crosby Sandeford, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 13th Field Artillery, 4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Chery-Chartreuve, France, August 8 – 17, 1918. Twice gassed, Major Sandeford declined to be evacuated and continued in active command of his battalion. Having been advised and knowing that failure to be evacuated would probably result in his death, he nevertheless continued until he fell from his saddle in a state of total collapse. His fortitude and spirit of self-sacrifice were conspicuous.