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 Private Thomas Parkes, Australian Imperial Force, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 55th Battalion, 14th Infantry, Australian Imperial Force, north of Bellicourt, France, 30 September 1918. Private Parkes exposed himself to heavy machine-gun fire in going out in front of our positions and assisting two wounded Americans to a place of safety. This action took place when fighting alongside the American 27th Division.