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 Paul Leplus, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 89th Regiment of Infantry, 127th U.S. Infantry (Attached), 32d Division, A.E.F., near Gesnes, France, 4 October 1918. Realizing the necessity and importance of the tanks in the attack on the Bois-de-la Morine, Lieutenant Leplus volunteered and led the tanks over unfamiliar and difficult terrain. He continually exposed himself to the terrific fire of the enemy in their attempt to destroy the tanks, but carried his mission to a successful conclusion.