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 Second Lieutenant Robert, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism while serving with 21st Battalion de Marche, Colonial Infantry, in action at Verse 455, North Russia, 14 October 1918. Lieutenant Robert placed himself at the head of a Franco-American section and personally led it against a strongly fortified position. The courage displayed by this brilliant officer under heavy machine-gun fire was an important factor in the successful attack.