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 First Lieutenant (Air Service) Leo Clarence Ferrenbach, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 14th Balloon Company, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Ansauville, France, 22 July 1918. Lieutenant Ferrenbach, a balloon observer, was conducting an important surveillance of his sector when at an altitude of 800 meters successive attacks were made upon the balloon by enemy planes. This officer refused to leave his post and continued his work with strong enemy patrols hovering above him until one of the hostile machines dived and set fire to the balloon. After he had jumped in his parachute, the burning balloon fell and barely missed him. Lieutenant Ferrenbach immediately re-ascended while enemy patrols were still in the vicinity.