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 Alexander M. Trutko (ASN: 48630), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France, July 18 – 22, 1918. Private Trutko repeatedly carried messages across areas swept by artillery and machine-gun fire. Due in part to his individual gallantry, his company commander was able to maintain communication at all times during this operation.