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 Alfred Robert Simpson (ASN: 2230068), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 321st Machine-Gun Battalion, 82d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Somme-Py, France, 12 October 1918. While his company was covering with machine-gun fire a temporary withdrawal of the infantry, before a hostile counterattack, Private Simpson secured an abandoned German machine gun and operated it until his own company, as well as the infantry, had returned safely. He remained at his post until his ammunition was exhausted and was the last one to leave the position. Through his bravery and skill the advance of the enemy was checked, and our own forces were able to organize a fresh counter dash attack.