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 Lieutenant F. O. Debrut, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 8th Regiment, Engineers, Army of France, near Cantigny, France, May 27 – 31, 1918. Lieutenant Debrut displayed high qualities of efficiency and courage in maintaining the organization and upkeep of telephone communications during a violent bombardment. Although wounded, he continued to perform his duty until the end of the action.