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 Jesse C. Willoughby (ASN: 47994), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Exermont, France, 4 October 1918. His company commander being incapacitated on the morning of 4 October 1918, Sergeant Willoughby assumed command of the company, reorganized it under heavy fire, and led it forward in the attack. The company participated in attack and capture of Hill 240 on that date. The noncommissioned officer held the command in the position gained until he was relieved on 11 October 1918.