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 Hugh Woodcock (42498), British Expeditionary Forces, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 9th Service Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, 6th Division, 9th Corps, British Expeditionary Forces, near Brancourt, France, 8 October 1918. While acting as a runner to the 30th U.S. Division, Private Woodcock with a companion passed through heavy enemy machine-gun and artillery fire to deliver an important message. His companion was killed, but he continued on and completed his mission, which made possible a successful combined attack with the 30th U.S. Division on a strong enemy position.