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 First Class William F. Thebert (ASN: 51702), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near St. Etienne-a-Arnes, France, October 3 – 9, 1918. Acting as battalion runner, Private Thebert carried messages through intense artillery and machine-gun fire. This soldier has been on duty as a runner since 6 June being entrusted with especially important messages because of his carefulness and reliability.