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) Josiah J. Pegues, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 95th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, 5 November 1918. On account of heavy clouds and mist, Lieutenant Pegues became detached from his formation. While endeavoring to find it, he came upon eight hostile planes which were maneuvering to attack four of our planes. With great courage and skill he passed through the formation and attacked its leader, dispersed the formation, preventing further attack.