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 Colonel (Infantry) William David Davis, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 361st Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Gesnes, France, September 26 – 2 October 1918. Colonel Davis displayed distinguished gallantry in leading and directing his front line in the four days’ advance on Gesnes and in the four following days, holding the front line under heavy shellfire. During this period his regiment was suffering heavy casualties, but he remained constantly with the front line, encouraging his men by his presence to hold out under this most dangerous and trying condition of warfare. Twice wounded, he remained in command of his regiment throughout the entire action until it was finally relieved on October 12.