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 Lance-Corporal John R. Padgett, Australian Imperial Force, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 44th Battalion, 11th Infantry, Australian Imperial Force, in the attack on the Hindenburg Line, 29 September 1918. When an enemy grenade fell amongst his section, Lance-Corporal Padgett picked it up and threw it back toward the enemy. Later he exposed himself to heavy fire in order to carry an American soldier to a place of safety. This action took place when fighting alongside the American 27th Division.