The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross, in lieu of a previously issued Certificate of Merit and Distinguished Service Medal, to Sergeant Clarence M. Richardson, United States Army, for gallant conduct while serving with 3d Company Potomac, Coast Artillery Corps, in saving a fellow soldier from death by drowning at the risk of his own life, at Fort Washington, Maryland, 25 November 1917.