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 Major (Infantry) Robert M. Vail, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 108th Machine-Gun Battalion, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Villette, France, 5 September 1918. During the crossing of the Vesle River Major Vail expedited the construction of bridges by his advice and assistance. He personally cut a passageway through enemy barbed wire along the river and then led his troops through this opening. When the officers of a supporting infantry company had been killed and the men were falling back in confusion. Major Vail kept his forces intact 1,200 yards in front of any infantry support, holding the position until reinforced by an infantry unit.