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 Sergeant Roscoe A. Willard (ASN: 42616), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company E, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, south of Soissons, France, 18 July 1918. After the platoon commander of the 1st Platoon had been killed and the commander of the 2d Platoon wounded, Sergeant Willard reorganized the platoons and assumed command of both. He then, under heavy fire, led them forward in the attack on the enemy position. He continued to lead his men forward until the objective was reached. He was severely wounded during this attack.