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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Henry Welling, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 316th Infantry Regiment, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Montfaucon, France, 27 September 1918. After being severely wounded in the side, Lieutenant Welling refused to be evacuated, but continued to lead his platoon in the attack. Throughout the afternoon and evening he remained with his men, inspiring them by his courage and fortitude in spite of intense pain, it being necessary to carry him when a temporary withdrawal of the line was made.