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 Major Hippolyte A. M. Leclerc, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 41st Regiment of Artillery, Colonial Service, Army of France, in the Verdun campaign, September – November, 1918. By his valuable assistance rendered to the infantry, which he was supporting, Chef d’ Esc. Leclerc, by the effective use of his batteries, inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. To better assist the American division attacking Grancourt, he occupied an advanced position, despite the fatigued condition of his troops, who were constantly subjected to machine-gun fire and high-explosive and poisonous shells.