The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross, in lieu of a previously issued Certificate of Merit and Distinguished Service Medal, to Private John A. Corning, United States Army, for gallant service while serving as a member of Troop L, 6th Cavalry Regiment, in an engagement with Chinese troops at Chang Ping Chow, China, 4 September 1900.