'On the night 3/4th December 1917 near Ypres this NCO displayed the very greatest courage, good leadership and devotion to duty. He was sent out with a patrol to examine the ground 250 yards in front of the front line. Some distance in front of the line the patrol discovered a large party of the enemy, and disposing the rest of his patrol in shell holes. Lance Corporal Black, with two others skillfully worked his way through this party and behind a further party of 50 of the enemy who were working there. He spent more than an hour with the enemy in large numbers quite close and between himself and his own lines, examined the ground and made his way back to his Company with very valuable information. Throughout, he displayed the very greatest courage and devotion to duty, and was a magnificent example to his fellows.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 13 March 1918