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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Hartwick Shenkel, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 111th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Chateau-Thierry, France, 1 July 1918. Lieutenant Shenkel displayed marked bravery when, with a number of others, he volunteered to assist the French in retaking Hill 204. Finding himself with but seven men, completely surrounded by the enemy, he led his detachment in fighting their way out with rifle butts and bayonets, himself killing a German officer with his pistol.