The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harley E. Banks, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 167th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the attack on Cote-de-Chatillon, France, October 14 – 16, 1918. Lieutenant Banks led his platoon in repeated attacks on the strongly fortified enemy position. When his company commander was wounded, Lieutenant Banks assumed command of the company and, by personal observation under fire of enemy snipers and machine gunners, obtained valuable information relative to the enemy’s lines. He led his company across an open field in the final attack under heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire and was among the first to reach the objective. After consolidating his position Lieutenant Banks, under a heavy hostile barrage, again formed his company to resist the counterattack and by his skill and bravery was mainly responsible for its repulse. Throughout the three days Lieutenant Banks demonstrated great leadership and utter disregard for his own personal safety, thereby setting a splendid example of courage and devotion to duty to the men of his command.