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 Sergeant Max Paul Thalke (ASN: 284575), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company I, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Juvigny, north of Soissons, France, 30 August 1918. Sergeant Thalke displayed unusual courage and gallantry in leading his platoon forward under heavy fire from artillery and machine-guns. He also gave first aid to the wounded while under fire, and when a retirement was ordered he remained behind to carry back the wounded.