The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Richard Hamilton Vaughan, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 111th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Fismette, France, August 9 – 13, 1918. Although he had been severely gassed and had received a scalp wound from shrapnel on 9 August 1918, Sergeant Vaughan refused to be evacuated, and after having his wound dressed continued to command his platoon for four days until relieved. By his bravery and encouragement to his men he exemplified the highest qualities of leadership.