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 First Lieutenant (Air Service) Hugh Dent Garvin Broomfield, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 90th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Cunel, France, 21 October 1918. Responding to an urgent request for a plane to penetrate the enemy lines to ascertain whether or not the enemy was preparing a counterattack, Lieutenant Broomfield immediately volunteered for the mission. Obliged to fly at a very low altitude on account of the unfavorable weather conditions, he was under terrific fire of the enemy at all times, but by skillful dodging he managed to cross the enemy lines. His plane was seen to suddenly lurch and crash a short distance to the ground, both he and his brother observer being killed.