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 Private John Edward Shrum (ASN: 46717), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France, 19 July 1918. Private Shrum, although wounded, delivered an important message for his platoon commander. In order to accomplish this mission, it was necessary for him to cross an area swept by enemy machine-gun fire.