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 Louis Viaud, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 1st Company, 20th Regiment, French Infantry, Army of France, on the night of April 18 – 19, 1918. Lieutenant Viaud led a French-American detachment in a raid with the greatest coolness and bravery, displaying leadership and resourcefulness. When counterattacked by a strong German force he maintained his ground and repulsed the enemy.