|
Distinguished
Service Cross Recipients
from Wisconsin during World War I |
There were at least 180
Wisconsin Soldiers who were decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross
(DSC) during WWI, 33 of those were
awarded posthumously. Two of those Soldiers were decorated with
two DSCs during WWI, 1LT Ora R. McMurry and BG
Douglas A. MacArthur. BG MacArthur would go on to receive a third DSC
during WWII and was also bestowed with the Medal of Honor during WWII. One
Wisconsin Soldier, 1LT Arthur S. Champeny, was decorated with the DSC during WWI, a second
time during WWII, and a third time during the Korean War.
The names which
are preceded by an asterisk denote posthumous awards.
Adams, John Ora
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
9th Infantry Reg., 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 3, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Qra
Adams, Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Medeah Ferme,
France, October 3, 1918. Lieutenant Adams remained on duty after receiving two
shrapnel wounds in arm, and continued to lead platoon to its objective. He
directed to consolidation of his position and the reorganization of his platoon
before finally reporting to the aid station eight hours after being wounded.
General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919
Born: at Amery, Wisconsin
Home Town: Kalispell, Montana
Adler, Nick
Wagoner, U.S. Army
Supply Company, 120th Field Artillery, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 8 - 20, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Nick Adler, Wagoner, U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near St. Gilles, south of Fismes, France,
August 8 - 20, 1918. Through the operations near the Vesle River, covering a
period of 12 days, Wagoner Adler delivered hot meals to the firing battery at
great personal risk due to enemy shell fire. The battery position and all roads
leading to them were subject to frequent enemy fire, but this soldier on every
occasion delivered the meals to the battery without delay.
General Orders No. No. 139, W.D., 1918
Born: at Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Home Town: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Allen, Gardner Philip
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service
8th Aero Squadron, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gardner Philip Allen, First
Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Thiaucourt, France, October 9, 1918.
Lieutenant Allen, observer, with First Lieutenant Edward Russell Moore, pilot,
took advantage of a short period of fair weather during generally unfavorable
atmospheric conditions to undertake a photographic mission behind the German
lines. Accompanied by two protecting planes, they had just commenced their
mission when they were attacked by eight enemy planes, which followed them
throughout their course, firing at the photographic plane. Lieutenant Moore,
pilot, with both flying wires cut by bullets, a landing wire shot away, his
elevators riddled with bullets, and both wings punctured, continued on the
prescribed course, although it made him an easy target. Lieutenant Allen was
thus enabled in the midst of the attack to take pictures of the exact territory
assigned, and he made no attempt to protect the plane with his machine guns.
Displaying entire disregard for personal danger and steadfast devotion to duty,
these two officers successfully accomplished their mission.
General Orders No. No. 145, W.D., 1918
Born: at Green Bay, Wisconsin
Home Town: Flint, Michigan
Anderson, Walter N.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
363d Infantry Reg., 91st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 26, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter N. Anderson, First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Very, France, September 26, 1918. With the aid of an enlisted man, Lieutenant
Anderson attacked a nest of enemy snipers and succeeded in killing two,
wounding one, and taking the remaining two as prisoners.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Marionette, Wisconsin
Home Town: Berkeley, California
Arpin, Edmund P.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 7, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edmund P. Arpin,
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action
near Gesnes, France, October 7, 1918. First Lieutenant Arpin
volunteered to lead and led a platoon of forty-one men in an attack on Hill
269. Although all but four became casualties, this small group, under the
leadership of Lieutenant Arpin, continued on its
mission, took the hill, and held it for some time without hope of
reinforcements.
General Orders No. No. 47, W.D., 1921
Born: at Grand Rapids, Wisconsin
Home Town: Grand Rapids, Wisconsin
Austermann, Richard W.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 8, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard W Austermann,
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action
near Fismes, France, August 8, 1918. Lieutenant Austermann
collected several groups of disorganized men from different companies,
organized a patrol, and, advancing across a creek, so deployed his men as to
pour a cross fire on enemy machine-gun nests. Observing other nests then out of
range, he led a volunteer squad and cleaned out three more machine-gun nests.
Lieutenant Austermann continued with the squad and
put out of action three more nests.
General Orders No. No. 143, W.D., 1918
Born: at Waukesha, Wisconsin
Home Town: Loyal, Wisconsin
*Austin, Edwin
Private, U.S. Army
Company F, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 30, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edwin Austin, Private, U.S. Army,
for extraordinary heroism in action near Roncheres, France, July 30, 1918.
Private Austin volunteered to go out in advance of our front lines and bring
back wounded, who had been left there when his company
was with-drawn. He made two trips, under heavy fire, bringing back wounded with
the aid of another soldier, but was killed by machine-gun fire when he went out
for the third time.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Born: at Tavining, Michigan
Home Town: Shawano, Wisconsin
Becker, Edward
First Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company L, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 30 and October 8, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward Becker, First Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Juvigny, France, August 30, 1918,
and in the Argonne Forest, France, October 8, 1918. During the attack on
Juvigny, when all the officers in his company had been wounded, Sergeant Becker
immediately took command of the company and led them in the attack. After the
engagement he supervised and assisted in the work of clearing the field of
wounded, working under incessant machine-gun and artillery fire. In the Argonne
Woods, October 8, when the advance of his organization was held up by cleverly
concealed enemy machine guns, Sergeant Becker, with an officer, exposed himself
to the enemy fire while reconnoitering the enemy positions. As a result of
their observations the company was successfully disposed with only three
casualties.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Born: at Sparta, Wisconsin
Home Town: Sparta, Wisconsin
Billis, Gust
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company A, 113th Infantry Reg., 29th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 12, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gust Billis,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bois-d'Amont, France October 12, 1918. With disregard for his
personal safety, Sergeant Billis saved the life of an
officer of his company by attacking and killing two Germans who were about to
strike the officer in the back. Later the same day he
attacked, of his own accord, several machine- gun nests, always returning with
prisoners, machine guns, or both.
General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919
Born: at Greece
Home Town: Menomonie, Wisconsin
Bischoff, Clifford E.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 29 & September 2, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clifford E. Bischoff, First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Juvigny, France, August 29, and September 2, 1918. Rendered unconscious by a
bursting shell, which wounded his company commander, Lieutenant Bischoff took
command of his company as soon as he regained consciousness and later assumed
command of the battalion when the battalion commander was gassed. After being
relieved of command he went forward on a reconnaissance with one soldier and
the two of them alone captured 75 of the enemy.
General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919
Born: at Superior, Wisconsin
Home Town: Superior, Wisconsin
Biwan, Joseph
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 120th Field Artillery, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 4 - 5, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph Biwan,
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at St.
Gilles, near Fismes, France, August 4 - 5, 1918. Throughout two days Private
First Class Biwan maintained the telephone lines
running into battalion headquarters, making frequent repairs of the lines amid
falling walls and heavy bombardment by both gas and high-explosive shells.
General
Orders No.
No. 139, W.D., 1918
Born: at Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Home Town: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Bleasdale, Redwald
H.
Private, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 30th Infantry Reg., 3d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 15, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Redwald
H. Bleasdale, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action near Mezy, France, July 15, 1918.
Private Bleasdale remained with his gun during a
heavy bombardment, until his gun pit was blown in, and then removed his gun to
another position and continued the fire under heavy machine-gun fire. Later, in
the same action, he volunteered and went to reconnoiter a
small woods believed to be occupied by enemy troops. There he killed
several Germans single handed, and returned to our lines with an American
soldier.
General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919
Born: at Janesville, Wisconsin
Home Town: Janesville, Wisconsin
Bleasdale, Victor F.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Reg. (Marines), 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Victor F. Bleasdale,
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism
while serving with the 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d
Division, A.E.F. in action near Blanc Mont, France, October 8, 1918. On several
occasions, regardless of his personal safety, First Lieutenant Bleasdale led his machine-gun platoon through heavy
machine-gun and artillery fire. When the Infantry company
which he was supporting was halted by the fire of two enemy Maxims, Lieutenant Bleasdale formed his platoon as infantry, assaulted and
captured both the enemy guns.
General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Born: at Matamau, Norsewood,
New Zealand
Home Town: Janesville, Wisconsin
Other Award: Navy Cross (Same Action), Navy Cross w/Gold Star (2nd
Nicaraguan Campaign)
Blomberg, Henry S.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 30, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Henry S. Blomberg, First Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Juvigny, north
of Soissons, France, August 30, 1918. Inspiring his men by his own personal
bravery, Lieutenant Blomberg vigorously led his company forward in the face of
heavy machine-gun and artillery fire, capturing the heights overlooking
Juvigny, with many prisoners. After reaching the objective he repeatedly exposed
himself to hostile fire time after time in reorganizing the line. During the
defense of the position won he personally set up and operated a captured German
machine gun against the enemy while under terrific fire.
General Orders No. No. 143, W.D., 1918
Born: at Superior, Wisconsin
Home Town: Superior, Wisconsin
Bonack, Paul J.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company L, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 30, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Paul J. Bonack,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Juvigny, France,
August 30, 1918. When his company was stopped by a concealed machine-gun nest,
Sergeant Bonnack ascertained its position and
courageously attacked it. , single-handed, upon his how
initiative, killing the crew and enabling his company to continue the advance.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Born: at Three Lakes, Wisconsin
Home Town: Three Lakes, Wisconsin
Breese, Clinton S.
Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service
12th Aero Squadron, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 2, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clinton S. Breese, Second
Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Argonne, France, November 2, 1918. While on an infantry contact
mission, Lieutenant Breese and his pilot were attacked by four enemy planes and
driven back, but realizing the importance of their mission, deliberately
returned and attacked the four planes, sending one to the earth and driving the
others away. Unmindful of the damaged condition of their plane and of their own
danger, they then flew for an hour within 100 meters of the ground through a
continuous heavy machine-gun fire until they had accurately located our front
line positions.
General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919
Born: at Waukesha, Wisconsin
Home Town: Waukesha, Wisconsin
*Brockman, William L.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company A, 150th Machine-Gun Battalion, 42d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 15, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William L. Brockman, Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Auberive,
France, July 15, 1918. Private Brockman continued to operate his machine gun
against the attacking enemy after all other members of the crew had been
killed. Then, going forward to rescue a wounded comrade,
was himself instantly killed.
General Orders No. No. 3, W.D., 1935
Born: at Appleton, Wisconsin
Home Town: Appleton, Wisconsin
Brown, Albert B.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 121st Field Artillery (Attached), 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 7 & 14, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Albert B. Brown, Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Gilles, south of Fismes,
France, August 7 and 14, 1918. When a bombardment was laid down on the
batteries of his regiment Sergeant Brown, on his own initiative, rushed his
detachment to the assistance of the wounded, administering first aid and
evacuating the wounded in spite of continued enemy shelling. On another
occasion, when he was severely gassed and blinded by the explosion of a mustard
gas shell, he made his way to a telephone and summoned medical assistance for
the wounded, exposing himself to the increased danger from the effect of gas in
order that the other wounded might be cared for.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Born: at Sandusky, Ohio
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bub, Elroy
Private, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 30th Infantry Reg., 3d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 15, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Elroy Bub, Private, U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Mezy, France,
July 15, 1918. Private Bub successfully carried messages through terrific
artillery and machine-gun fire and was wounded while performing the mission.
General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Buck, Benjamin
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company G, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 14, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Benjamin Buck, Corporal, U.S. Army,
for extraordinary heroism in action near Romagne, France, October 14, 1918.
Corporal Buck advanced alone beyond the front lines, through a terrific barrage
and in the face of unusually active machine-gun fire, to the rescue of a
wounded comrade. While making his way through the wood he came upon two other
members of the company whom he utilized as a patrol attacking and capturing an
enemy machine-gun nest, together with six prisoners. He then went to the rescue
of the wounded soldier, forcing the prisoners to carry the man to the rear.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Born: at Shawano, Wisconsin
Home Town: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Bump, Arthur L.
Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army
56th Infantry Reg., 7th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 2, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur L. Bump, Colonel (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Preny,
France, November 2, 1918. While his regiment was being subjected to an intense
enemy bombardment Colonel Bump visited every platoon in the front line and so
encouraged and inspired his men by his bravery that they successfully met and
repulsed every counterattack made upon them.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Home Town: New London, Ohio
Burr, George E.
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army
Company C, 107th Field Signal Battalion, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 2, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George E. Burr, Sergeant First
Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cierges, France,
August 2, 1918. Sergeant Burr, in charge of a detachment, strung wire far in
advance of the front lines, working through a heavy artillery fire, to the
point where the regimental post of command was to be situated, 100 yards from
the enemy line. When he was ordered to leave one man at the instrument, while
the rest of the detachment returned to the rear, Sergeant Burr himself
volunteered, and remained alone at this dangerous position.
General Orders No. No. 147, W.D., 1918
Born: at Hill City, South Dakota
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
*Burton, Edward A.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 1, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward A. Burton, First Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cierges,
France, August 1, 1918. Lieutenant Burton was mortally wounded while carrying a
wounded man from a position exposed to artillery and machine-gun fire, but,
regardless of his own suffering, he persisted in his task until he had placed
the wounded man in a place of safety. Lieutenant Burton died while being
evacuated.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Hillsboro, Wisconsin
Home Town: Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Caldwell, Edgar N.
Major (Infantry), U.S. Army
16th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edgar N. Caldwell, Major (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Mihiel, France,
September 12, 1918. When his company met with enemy machine-gun fire of such
intensity that the success of the operation was threatened, Major Caldwell
(then Captain) disregarding personal danger, walked up and down the front line,
designating targets to his men and encouraging them. He then led an automatic
rifle squad, proceeding two hundred yards ahead of the line, and captured an
enemy machine gun.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Born: at Glasgow, Wisconsin
Home Town: Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
Campbell, Martin H.
Band Sergeant, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Reg., 3d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 24, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Martin H. Campbell, Band Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Le Channel, France, July
24, 1918. Sergeant Campbell, frequently requested and
was granted permission to render aid to the wounded. Making his way into an
open field, swept by a withering machine-gun fire, he rendered first-aid to
many of the wounded. While performing this highly meritorious work, he himself
was wounded by grenade fire.
General Orders 64, W.D., 1919
Born: at Cross Plains, Wisconsin
Home Town: Flint, Michigan
Carlson, Emil
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company A, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 1 & October 14, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Emil Carlson, Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near Cierges,
France, August 1, 1918; and near Gesnes, France, October 14, 1918. During an
attack near Cierges, Private Carlson, assisted by two comrades, repeatedly
exposed himself to enemy machine-gun and artillery fire, in order to assist the
wounded to the first-aid station. On October 14, in the Meuse-Argonne
offensive, when the advance of his company was held up by enemy machine-gun
fire, he advanced in attacking a machine-gun nest, until all the members of the
squad were killed except himself. He then pushed on alone and killed one of the
enemy. His rifle becoming jammed and useless, he
continued to advance and succeeded in capturing the two guns, together with the
crew, consisting of eight men.
General Orders 95, W.D., 1919
Born: at Negaunee, Michigan
Home Town: Merrillan, Wisconsin
Cayer, Albert J.
Private, U.S. Army
Company B, 38th Infantry Reg., 3d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 15, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Albert J. Cayer,
Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Mezy, France, July 15, 1918. During the intense enemy
artillery preparation just prior to the German offensive of July 15, 1918,
Private Cayer voluntarily made several trips through
the heaviest shelling to bring wounded comrades from the field.
General Orders No. 23, W.D., 1919
Born: at Superior, Wisconsin
Home Town: Brooklyn, New York
Champeny, Arthur S.
(First Award)
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
356th Infantry Reg., 89th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur S. Champeny,
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action
near St. Mihiel, France, September 12, 1918. Assisting the battalion commander,
who had been severely wounded in the early fighting, Lieutenant Champeny maintained the liaison personnel, making many
journeys himself through heavy shelling. When the battalion commander had been
evacuated, he assumed command, and moved the battalion to its new position.
General Orders 37, W.D. 1919
Born: at Briggs, Wisconsin
Home Town: Lyons, Kansas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWII), Distinguished
Service Cross w/2 OLC (Korea)
Chayie, Joseph A.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company M, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 10, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph A. Chayie,
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Terny-Sorny, north of Soissons, France, September 10, 1918. Under heavy shell
fire, when movement in the open was extremely hazardous, Private First Class Chayie made eight trips from the front lines to battalion
headquarters with important messages. His courage, high sense of duty, and
coolness under fire were an example of heroism and devotion to duty which
inspired his comrades.
General Orders No. No. 128, W.D., 1918
Born: at Calumet, Michigan
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chirafisi, Anthony J.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company H, 11th Infantry Reg., 5th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 8, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Anthony J. Chirafisi,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Brandeville,
France, November 8, 1918. Sergeant Chirafisi
volunteered to establish liaison between the battalions of his regiment. He
crossed a valley under heavy artillery fire and climbed for over an hour on a
hill exposed to steady machine-gun fire, accomplished his mission, and returned
by the same route.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Italy
Home Town: High Cliff, Wisconsin
Coleman, Wallace
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service
Observation Group, 4th Corps, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12 - 13, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Wallace Coleman, First Lieutenant
(Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action near Jaulny France, September 12 - 13, 1918. On September 12
Lieutenant Coleman, pilot, and Second Lieutenant William Belzer,
observer, while on an artillery surveillance mission were attacked by an enemy
plane. They waited until the enemy was at close range and then fired 50 rounds
directly into the vital parts of the enemy machine, which was seen to disappear
out of control. The next day Lieutenants Belzer and
Coleman, while on a reconnaissance mission, were attacked by seven enemy
aircraft. They unhesitatingly opened fire, but, owing to their guns being
jammed, were forced to withdraw to our lines, where, clearing the jam, they
returned to finish the mission. Their guns again jammed, and they were driven
back by a large patrol of enemy planes. After skillful maneuvering they
succeeded in putting one gun into use and returned a third time, only to be
driven back. Undaunted, they returned the fourth time and accomplished their
mission, transmitting valuable information to the Infantry headquarters.
General Orders No. No. 128, W.D., 1918
Born: at Columbus, Indiana
Home Town: Racine, Wisconsin
*Cramp, Tony
Private, U.S. Army
Company B, 150th Machine-Gun Battalion, 42d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 28, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Tony Cramp, Private, U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action during the action north of the Ourcq River,
near Villers-sur-Fere, France, on July 28, 1918.
Private Cramp showed extraordinary courage and ability as a leader of men in
field of battle. When his section sergeant had been killed and his corporal
wounded, he assumed command of his gun section and led them forward against the
enemy, directing the fire with effect until killed.
General Orders No. 88, W.D., 1918
Born: at Germany
Home Town: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Curtis, Rollin B.
First Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company A, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 1 & October 9, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Rollin B. Curtis, First Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cierges, France, August 1,
1918; and near Gesnes, France, October 9, 1918. During the advance near Reddy
Farm, Sergeant Curtis, then a platoon commander, was painfully wounded in the
leg, but refused to be evacuated until wounded a second time. During the
advance, the battalion commander asked for a volunteer to establish liaison
with the unit on the right. Sergeant Curtis immediately offered his services
for this hazardous mission. On October 9, near Gesnes, when the only officer in
his company was killed, Sergeant Curtis took command, leading the company
through an intense enemy barrage. Although wounded and knocked down by the
explosion of a shell, he continued to lead the company until relieved.
General Orders No. 126, W.D., 1919
Born: at Baraboo, Wisconsin
Home Town: Baraboo, Wisconsin
*Dickop, Ray C.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 4, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ray C. Dickop, First Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the attack on
Fismes, France, August 4, 1918. On reaching Chezelles
Farm, First Lieutenant Dickop was shot in the head, body and legs. Although
thus fatally wounded, when orders came for another assault, he gave the command
"Charge" to his company and led the assault until he fell dead.
General Orders No. No. 117, W.D., 1918
Born: at Beloit, Wisconsin
Home Town: Beloit, Wisconsin
Dillenbeck, Willard
Private, U.S. Army
Company A, 26th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 21, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Willard Dillenbeck,
Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France,
July 21, 1918. Private Dillenbeck repeatedly carried
messages from his company to platoon commanders, in daylight across open ground
in full view of the enemy and under heavy bombardment.
General Orders No. No. 132, W.D., 1918
Born: at Delavan, Wisconsin
Home Town: Delavan, Wisconsin
*Dillon, Harry
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
26th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 22, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harry Dillon, Second Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons,
France, July 22, 1918. By cool and daring leadership Second Lieutenant Dillon
carried his platoon forward in four attacks and took all objectives assigned to
him.
General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919
Born: at Wisconsin
Home Town: Mondovi, Wisconsin
Dodder, Alexander
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company H, 53d Infantry Reg., 6th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alexander Dodder, Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Landersbach,
Alsace, October 4, 1918. Sergeant Dodder was in a detachment of 50 soldiers who
were attacked by a raiding party of the enemy composed of 300 storm troops.
Though severely wounded by shell fire and grenades during the combat, this
courageous soldier continued to operate his automatic rifle until the enemy
retreated. The fire of the rifle which he was manning alone dispersed the main
body of the enemy and prevented them from capturing prisoners and gaining
valuable information.
General Orders No. No. 120, W.D., 1918
Born: at Argentine, Michigan
Home Town: Walworth, Wisconsin
Doudna, John F.
First Lieutenant (Medical Corps), U.S. Army
362d Infantry Reg. (Attached), 91st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 25, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John F. Doudna,
First Lieutenant (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Gesnes, France, September 25, 1918. First Lieutenant Doudna was under constant shell fire with his battalion for
17 days, and though he had been painfully wounded by a machine-gun bullet, he remained
at his post, rendering first aid to the wounded night and day, performing the
duties of two other medical officers who had been incapacitated in addition to
his own. Lieutenant Doudna's utter disregard for
personal danger and complete devotion to duty made possible the rapid
evacuation of the wounded, thus materially keeping up the morale of the combat
troops and alleviating the suffering of the wounded.
General Orders No. No. 139, W.D., 1918
Born: at Richmond Center, Wisconsin
Home Town: Lake City, Michigan
Drotning, Harold J.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Battery A, 125th Field Artillery, 32d Div.,
A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 4, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harold J. Drotning,
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St.
Gilles, south of Fismes, France, August 4, 1918. When the men of his battery
position had been ordered to shelter on account of enemy shelling, Private Drotning, in company with two other men, rescued a French
soldier from drowning in a stream. This act was performed while the valley was
filled with mustard gas.
General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Born: at Stroughton, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Duffy, Mark Matthew
First Lieutenant (Medical Corps), U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 124th Field Artillery (Attached), 33d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Mark Matthew Duffy, First
Lieutenant (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Romagne, France, November 1, 1918. First Lieutenant Duffy displayed exceptional
bravery in caring for the wounded and directing their evacuation under heavy
shell fire. During the action he went under concentrated fire and rescued
several wounded men.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Springvale, Wisconsin
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
Dyer, Herbert Ralph
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
117th Infantry Reg., 30th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 9 & 17, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Herbert Ralph Dyer, First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Premont, France, October 9, and near Molain, France,
October 17, 1918. On October 9, when his company was held up by heavy fire from
numerous machine guns, Lieutenant Dyer showed extraordinary bravery in driving
them out and allowing the advance of the battalion to continue. On October 17,
when all the officers of an adjoining company had been killed, he promptly took
command under the terrific enemy fire, and although twice wounded continued to
lead the two companies in the advance.
General Orders No. 68, W.D., 1920
Born: at Durand, Wisconsin
Home Town: Columbia, Tennessee
Eaton, Starr Sedgwick
Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army
23rd Infantry Reg., 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 1, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Starr Sedgwick Eaton, Captain
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Chateau-Thierry, France, July 1, 1918. Captain Eaton displayed notable coolness
and courage during the attack by his company, winning a brilliant success and
capturing a large number of prisoners and a, quantity of enemy munitions. After
obtaining his objective he personally led a small detachment against a hostile
machine-gun and silenced it, capturing in person the machine gunners and
destroying the nest.
General Orders No. No. 117, W.D., 1918
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Madison, Wisconsin
Engel, George F.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company F, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 10, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George F. Engel, Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Gesnes, France, October 10,
1918. Sergeant Engel repeatedly advanced under fire in front of our lines,
locating enemy positions. He displayed the utmost bravery and fearlessness on
all occasions, as well as cool judgment. On October 10 he was leading a patrol
under heavy enemy fire and was wounded by an enemy machine-gun bullet. Although
badly wounded he refused to go to the rear for aid, but continued the advance
until he had obtained the desired information.
General Orders No. No. 59, W.D., 1921
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Evenson, Elmer
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 30, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Elmer Evenson,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Juvigny, France,
August 30, 1918. Sergeant Evenson voluntarily made
five trips in front of the line, under intense machine-gun and artillery fire,
and brought in five wounded men, who had been left in an exposed position after
a withdrawal of the line.
General Orders No. 55, W.D., 1919
Born: at Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Home Town: Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Faatz, Stephen R.
Private, U.S. Army
Battery A, 120th Field Artillery, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 4, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Stephen R. Faatz,
Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Gilles, south
of Fismes, France, August 4, 1918. When the men of his battery position had
been ordered to shelter on account of enemy shelling, Private Faatz, in company with two other men, rescued a French
soldier from drowning in a stream. The act was performed while the valley was
filled with mustard gas.
General Orders No. No. 147, W.D., 1918
Born: at Hampton, Iowa
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Fisher, Walter S.
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army
Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion, 79th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 28 - November 11, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter S. Fisher, Sergeant First
Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Grand Montagne,
France, October 28 to November 11, 1918. During this operation our telegraph
and telephone lines were being constantly cut by enemy artillery fire. With
utter disregard of his own personal danger Sergeant Fisher went out many times,
night and day, in an area that was covered with artillery fire, including much
gas, to repair breaks in the wires. By his example of personal bravery Sergeant
Fisher encourage the men of his platoon to assist in maintaining the lines of
communication, thus enabling messages of important military value to be
transmitted in times of greatest need.
General Orders No. No. 22, W.D., 1929
Born: at Minocqua, Wisconsin
Home Town: Minocqua, Wisconsin
Flanagan, Hugh M.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
28th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Hugh M. Flanagan, Second Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Cutry, France, July 18, 1918. Lieutenant Flanagan
personally led his platoon in an attack on several machine-gun nests which were
holding up the advance of the entire battalion. At times he was 50 yards in
advance of his men. His action so inspired his command that the enemy strong
point was destroyed and 100 prisoners were captured. He was severely wounded in
the attack.
General Orders No. 126, W.D., 1919
Born: at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Home Town: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Forster, George J.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
26th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4 - 13, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George J. Forster, Second
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Verdun, France, October 4 - 13, 1918. Throughout the engagement of October 4 -
13, 1918, Lieutenant Forster displayed exceptional coolness and bravery under
artillery, machine-gun, and rifle fire, directing the fire of his 37-mm guns,
thereby rendering invaluable assistance to his battalion commander by this
action and in establishing liaison and obtaining important information.
General Orders No. No. 14, W.D., 1928
Born: at Wausau, Wisconsin
Home Town: Kansas City, Missouri
Fox, Frank I.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 120th Field Artillery, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 4, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank I. Fox, Corporal, U.S. Army,
for extraordinary heroism in action at St. Gilles, near Fismes, France, August
4, 1918. Corporal Fox, with other soldiers, made frequent trips to maintain
telephone communication between battalion and regimental headquarters during a
destructive bombardment. All other lines had been destroyed, arid as this line
was used by both Infantry and Artillery for communication with the rear, it was of utmost importance that it be maintained.
General Orders No. No. 139, W.D., 1918
Born: at Centerville, Iowa
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Fritz, Albert W.
Private, U.S. Army
Company I, 16th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18 - 23, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Albert W. Fritz, Private, U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in action south of Soissons, France, July 18 -
23, 1918. While attached to a machine gun company as an ammunition carrier,
Private Fritz, after being twice wounded, continued to carry ammunition while
exposed to heavy shell fire.
General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919
Born: at Berlin, Wisconsin
Home Town: Berlin, Wisconsin
Fritz, Clyde A.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company K, 9th Infantry Reg., 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clyde A. Fritz, Corporal, U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 18, 1918.
Corporal Fritz accompanied a party of 10 men which attacked a ravine infested
with enemy machine-gun nests. During the exploit all except Corporal Fritz and
one comrade were killed or wounded, but they succeeded in silencing enough guns
to make further advance possible.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Richland Center, Wisconsin
Home Town: Kokomo, Indiana
Galoff, Fred
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company H, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 5 - 11, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Fred Galoff,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the vicinity of Breheville and Ecurey, northwest of Verdun, France,
November 5 - 11, 1918. Sergeant Galoff displayed
remarkable leadership and courage in keeping the men together and calm under
the terrific enemy artillery and machine-gun fire during the attack on November
10, 1918. Although gassed and exhausted, he refused to go to the rear for
medical treatment and remained with the company, assisting in giving first aid
to the wounded and arranging for their evacuation, disregarding personal danger
and displaying a fine spirit of sacrifice.
General Orders No. No. 3, W.D., 1922
Born: at Menomonie, Wisconsin
Home Town: Elmwood, Wisconsin
Gaston, Paul J.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Sanitary Detachment, 121st Machine-Gun Battalion (Attached), 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 1, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Paul J. Gaston, Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in front of Bellevue Farm, near
Cierges, France, August 1, 1918. During the attack on Bellevue Farm Sergeant
Gaston worked energetically throughout the engagement which continued from 2 to
10 p. m., to give first aid to the wounded and to carry them to the dressing
station. He was under fire of snipers continuously and frequently went into
shell and machine-gun fire to administer to wounded soldiers. His calmness and
courage was a source of inspiration to the combat troops.
General Orders No. No. 124, W.D., 1918
Born: at Lexington, Kentucky
Home Town: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Gearhard, August F.
First Lieutenant (Chaplain), U.S. Army
328th Infantry Reg., 82d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 15 - 16, October 3 - 20, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to August F. Gearhard,
First Lieutenant (Chaplain), U.S. Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary
heroism in action at Norroy and Vandieres,
France, September 15 - 16, 1918, and at Chatel Chehery and Sommerance, France,
October 3 - 20. During this advance of his regiment from Norroy
to Vandieres Chaplain Gearhard
displayed exceptional bravery and fidelity to his duties by working two days
and nights without sleeping, recovering and removing to the rear the killed and
wounded, making frequent trips into no man's land under heavy shell fire for
this purpose. In the operations at Chatel-Chehery and
Sommerance this officer again distinguished himself
by remaining constantly at the advanced aid station assisting the surgeon,
administering aid to the wounded, cheering and comforting them.
General Orders No. No. 142, W.D., 1918
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Gilbert, Leslie T.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
55th Company, 5th Reg. (Marines), 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Leslie T. Gilbert, Private, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 55th Company,
5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Blanc Mont Ridge,
France, October 4, 1918. Private Gilbert volunteered to rescue a comrade from a
most violent barrage. Although severely wounded while performing this
courageous deed, he continued until his task was accomplished.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Born: at Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Home Town: St. Paul, Minnesota
Other Award: Navy Cross (Same Action)
Glomski, Frank
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Scout Platoon, 2d Battalion, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 31, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank Glomski,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Terny-Sorny,
north of Soissons, France, August 31, 1918. When the advance of his battalion
was halted by heavy machine-gun fire he went forward alone, advancing from one
shell hole to another, under the heavy fire mentioned, and located the exact
positions of enemy machine-gun emplacements. Wounded while accomplishing this
dangerous mission, he nevertheless attempted to deliver his information to
battalion headquarters. Again wounded while endeavoring to reach the post of
command, he gave detailed information to another soldier, who reported it to
the battalion commander.
General Orders No. No. 128, W.D., 1928
Born: at Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Home Town: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Gottschalk, Frank L.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 3, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank L. Gottschalk, First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St.
Gilles, France, August 3, 1918. After being severely wounded while leading an
attack on a machine-gun nest, Lieutenant Gottschalk continued to lead his
platoon in the face of severe machine-gun fire, remaining on duty all night,
until reaching the final objective.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Wausau, Wisconsin
Home Town: Marathon City, Wisconsin
*Grabinski, Elmer C.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company B, 150th Machine-Gun Battalion, 42d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 28, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Elmer C. Grabinski,
Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in the action between Sergy and Villers-sur-Fere, France, on July 28, 1918. Corporal Grabinski led his gun crew with courage and fearlessness in
the attack north of the River Ourcq. He directed the fire of his gun with
excellent effect, shooting several enemy snipers. Showing always the greatest
eagerness to press forward and always disregarding his own safety, he was
killed after leading his men forward successfully to their objective.
General Orders No. 99, W.D., 1918
Born: at Miller, South Carolina
Home Town: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Green, James O., Jr.
Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army
23d Infantry Reg., 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James O. Green, Jr., Captain
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Chateau-Thierry, France, June 6, 1918. After two platoons under his command had
been practically wiped out, Captain Green continued forward to his objective
with two enlisted men and remained throughout the night under heavy fire in
hope of keeping the ground gained until reinforcement came up.
General Orders No. No. 19, W.D., 1921
Born: at Hillsdale, Michigan
Home Town: Whitewater, Wisconsin
Griffith, Chancy W.
Private, U.S. Army
Battery F, 10th Field Artillery, 3d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 15, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Chancy W. Griffith, Private, U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Greves
Farm, France, July 15, 1918. Responding to a call for
volunteers, Private Griffith, with eight other soldiers, manned two guns of a
French battery which had been deserted by the French during the unprecedented
fire, after many casualties had been inflicted on their forces. For two
hours he remained at this post and poured an effective fire into the ranks of
the enemy.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Born: at Eagle Grove, Iowa
Home Town: Amery, Wisconsin
Haefliger, Fred
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
77th Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Reg. (Marines), 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 3, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Fred Haefliger,
Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 77th
Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
in action near St. Etienne, France, October 3, 1918. When our advanced infantry
was forced to withdraw, Private Haefliger's
machine-gun crew refused to withdraw, but calmly set up their machine-gun. The
gun was upset by a bursting hand grenade, which also injured Private Haefliger and another member of the squad. Despite their
injuries, they immediately reset the gun and opened fire on the advancing
Germans when twenty feet distant, causing the Germans to break and retreat in
disorder.
General Orders No. 23, W.D., 1919
Born: at Mount Vernon, Wisconsin
Home Town: Boardman, Wisconsin
Other Award: Navy Cross (Same Action)
*Halfmann, Anthony N.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company B, 150th Machine-Gun Battalion, 42d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 28, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Anthony N. Halfmann,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Villers-sur-Fere, France, July 28, 1918. Sergeant Halfmann displayed courage, coolness, and leadership
throughout the attack on the enemy positions north of the River Ourcq. The
machine-gun crew which he was directing shot seven enemy snipers from their
posts. He was killed while reconnoitering in advance of our lines for an
advantageous position for his guns.
General Orders No. No. 102, W.D., 1918
Born: at Peebles, Wisconsin
Home Town: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Hanson, Walter R.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 128th Infantry Reg. (Attached), 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 7 - 8, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter R. Hanson, Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Gesnes, France,
October 7 - 8, 1918. When his battalion was forced to withdraw three times
successively within forty-eight hours, Private Hanson each time went out in
front of the line under intense machine-gun and shell fire, and rescued wounded
men.
General Orders 81, W.D., 1919
Born: at La Crosse, Wisconsin
Home Town: LaCrosse, Wisconsin
Hapsch, John P.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company G, 16th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John P. Hapsch,
Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France,
July 18, 1918. Knowing that the enemy had captured a wounded member of his
company, Corporal Hapsch with two others advanced
across dangerous ground to a barn, where they routed the enemy captors and
carried back their comrade to safety.
General Orders No. 72, W.D., 1920
Born: at Hudson, Wisconsin
Home Town: Hudson, Wisconsin
Hart, Frank I.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company C, 108th Engineers, 33d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 7 - 8, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank I. Hart, Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for extraordinary heroism in action near Consenvoye,
France, on the night of October 7 - 8, 1918, when in command of a detail of
Company C, 108th Engineers, which was engaged in the construction of a bridge
across the Meuse River. In directing and supervising the construction of this
bridge Sergeant Hart exposed himself to heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire.
During an enemy gas bombardment he exposed himself to additional danger by
distributing gas masks to the members of his detail, who had lost their masks
during the construction of the bridge. Due in great part to his energy and
gallantry, the bridge was completed in time to enable the attack to be carried
out the following morning with marked success.
General Orders No. No. 30, W.D., 1921
Born: at Green Bay, Wisconsin
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
Hartman, William A.
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army
Company F, 107th Engineers, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 4, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William A. Hartman, Sergeant First
Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August
4, 1918. Sergeant First Class Hartman was a member of a patrol sent out from
the battalion post of command at midnight, to reconnoiter the Vesle River
front, near Fismes, France, for the location of possible sites for pontoon
bridges and of material for making structures. Despite heavy artillery and
machine-gun fire that forced the patrol to scatter and separated him from the
Lieutenant in charge, he continued the work on his own initiative, and, acting
entirely without orders, started his detail on the actual construction of rafts
for the pontoon bridges. His courage, ability as a leader, and his inflexible
determination made the reconnaissance a complete success.
General Orders No. 99, W.D., 1918
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
*Hix, James C.
Private, U.S. Army
Company F, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 30, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James C. Hix, Private, U.S. Army,
for extraordinary heroism in action near Roncheres, France, July 30, 1918. With
another soldier, Private Hix volunteered to go out in advance of our lines to
rescue wounded soldiers who had been left there when the company withdrew.
Under heavy fire, they made two trips, bringing back wounded men. Private Hix
was wounded by machine-gun fire, when he went out for the third time.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Born: at Knoxville, Tennessee
Home Town: Beloit, Wisconsin
Holt, Frank Maurice
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Battery A, 120th Field Artillery, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 4, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank Maurice Holt, Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Gilles, south of Fismes,
France, August 4, 1918. When the men of his battery position had been ordered
to shelter on account of enemy shelling, Sergeant Holt, in company with two
other men, rescued a French soldier from drowning in a stream. This act was
performed while the valley was filled with mustard gas.
General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919
Born: at Minneapolis, Minnesota
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Humbird, John A.
Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army
102d Machine-Gun Battalion, 26th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 26, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John A. Humbird,
Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action a Marcheville, France, September 26, 1918. Captain Humbird displayed indomitable courage and leadership on
numerous occasions during this engagement. Leading a small group of men through
barbed-wire entanglements in the face of machine-gun fire and hand grenades, he
cleaned out a trench, capturing a strong enemy machine-gun emplacement and its
entire crew. When the town of Marcheville fell into
our hands he organized a machine-gun position under heavy machine-gun fire,
locating a position for antiaircraft guns, during which time hostile planes
were flying low and firing upon our troops. After the recapture of Marcheville by the enemy, he led his platoon in the
counterattack.
General Orders No. No. 139, W.D., 1918
Born: at Hudson, Wisconsin
Home Town: Sandpoint, Idaho
Humphrey, Frank H.
Mechanic, U.S. Army
Company G, 28th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 19, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank H. Humphrey, Mechanic, U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 19, 1918.
Mechanic Humphrey courageously charged ahead with one man and attacked a
machine-gun nest, putting the gun out of commission and killing the gunners. He
showed conspicuous gallantry in action throughout the whole attack.
General Orders No. No. 117, W.D., 1918
Born: at Black River Falls, Wisconsin
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hunter, Francis R.
Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery), U.S. Army
76th Field Artillery, 3d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Francis R. Hunter, Lieutenant
Colonel (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Cierges, France, October 4, 1918. While directing the operations of his
battalion in a forward position under heavy artillery fire a high-explosive
shell exploded under his horse, killing the horse and severely wounding
Lieutenant Colonel Hunter in the right leg. In spite of his serious injuries he
insisted upon seeing his battery commander and before being evacuated he
personally charged each with his mission, urging them to put forth all possible
efforts in carrying out their important mission.
General Orders No. No. 24, W.D., 1920
Born: at Racine, Wisconsin
Home Town: Racine, Wisconsin
*Jacobson, William A.
Private, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 128th Infantry Reg. (Attached), 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 7, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William A. Jacobson, Private, U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Gesnes, France, October 7, 1918.
When his battalion was forced to retire under heavy artillery and machine-gun
fire, Private Jacobson went out in front of the line, administering first aid
and bringing in the wounded who had been left lying in
exposed positions. While so engaged he received two wounds, the second of which
caused his death before he reached the aid station.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Viroqua, Wisconsin
Home Town: Viroqua, Wisconsin
Jerabek, Jerry J.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company A, 121st Machine-Gun Battalion, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 14, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jerry J. Jerabek,
Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in Romagne Woods,
France, October 14, 1918. Passing through heavy fire and through wire
entanglements, he led his section to a position 500 meters in advance of the
infantry, where he set up his guns and effectively covered the advance. He
showed marked bravery and skill in leading his men, capturing 22 prisoners
without sustaining a casualty.
General Orders 81, W.D., 1919
Born: at Kewaunee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Algoma, Wisconsin
*Jerzakowski, Walter
First Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company K, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 5, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter Jerzakowski,
First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action between Fismes
and Vesle River, France, August 5, 1918. After a temporary halt had been made
by his organization to reorganize the line, and the advance was resumed, an
attempt was made by the enemy to outflank the company. On the exposed flank,
under heavy enemy shell fire, Sergeant Jerzakowski
coolly and heroically organized such a defense that the enemy was unable to
outflank his company which was able to reach its objective. Sergeant Jerzakowski was later killed in action on October 5, 1918.
General Orders No. No. 3, W.D., 1929
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
*Johns, Latimer A.
Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army
122d Field Artillery, 33d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 30, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Latimer A. Johns, Second Lieutenant
(Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Gesnes,
France, September 30,1918, Lieutenant Johns was in command of a platoon in
support of an assaulting battalion of infantry. During the attack he went far
ahead of the infantry to establish an observation post, where he directed fire
from his guns, thereby rendering valuable assistance to the advancing
battalion. After several attempts, he went through a heavy enemy barrage and
enfilading machine-gun fire, but when returning to his post he was killed.
General Orders No. No. 21, W.D., 1925
Born: at Cotter, Iowa
Home Town: Randolph, Wisconsin
Johnson, Paul
Private, U.S. Army
Company M, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 14, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Paul Johnson, Private, U.S. Army,
for extraordinary heroism in action near Gesnes, France, October 14, 1918. When
the battalion was held up by heavy machine-gun fire, he volunteered to go
forward 250 yards and help in establishing a position to neutralize the enemy
fire. Although wounded, he remained at his post for seven hours, under heavy
fire till the enemy position was taken by assault.
General Orders 71, W.D., 1919
Born: at Oconto, Wisconsin
Home Town: Oconto, Wisconsin
*Johnson, Richard D.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company E, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 30, 1918
Citation:
The
Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard D. Johnson, Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cierges, France, July 30, 1918.
Coming unexpectedly upon a German machine gun, Sergeant Johnson threw himself
upon it as it started firing, being himself killed, but preventing any
casualties among the members of his own platoon, the enemy gunners being made
prisoners.
General Orders 74, W.D., 1919
Born: at Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Home Town: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Karelis, Kimon
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company C, 15th Machine-Gun Battalion, 5th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12 - 13, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Kimon
Karelis, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Vieville-en-Haye, France, September 12 - 13, 1918. After he was severely
wounded and his squad leader killed, Private Karelis
took charge of the squad and directed their fire with such telling effect that
three machine-guns which had caused many casualties in our ranks were put out
of action. In the counterattack which followed, he personally manned the
machine gun after the other members of the crew had been killed or wounded, and
continued to operate it until completely exhausted.
General Orders No. 35, W.D., 1919
Born: at Greece
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Kaulsky, Frank
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
55th Company, 5th Reg. (Marines), 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank Kaulsky, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary
heroism while serving with the 55th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d
Division, A.E.F. in action near Blanc Mont Ridge, France, October 4, 1918.
Private Kaulsky volunteered to rescue a wounded
comrade from a violent barrage; and, although he was wounded, he successfully
accomplished his mission.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Born: at Waukesha, Wisconsin
Home Town: Baltimore, Maryland
Other Award: Navy Cross (Same Action)
*Kelty, Asher E.
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service
91st Aero Squadron, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 26, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Asher E. Kelty, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air
Service, for extraordinary heroism in action near Crepion,
France, September 26, 1918. In the course of a photographic mission, Lieutenant
Kelty, with his observer, was obliged to penetrate a
heavy enemy anti-aircraft barrage, realizing that obtaining the location of the
artillery objectives was of the greatest importance. When a shell struck his machine,
his observer was instantly killed and his machine so badly wrecked that it
plunged to the earth, thereby causing his death.
General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Born: at Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Home Town: Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Kemme, Charles
Private, U.S. Army
Company F, 28th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18 & 20, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles Kemme, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Soissons, France, July 18, 1918. Private Kemme
displayed exceptional bravery and utter disregard of his own life by advancing
on a machine-gun nest of two guns and six men, and by working his way up to the
rear of the guns, put them out of action in hand-to-hand combat. On July 20,
1918, he again advanced on a machine gun which was doing great damage to the
men in his sector by sniping, put the gun out of action, and returned to the
trenches with the gun.
General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918
Born: at Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
*Keske, Clarence E.
Private, U.S. Army
Company M, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 14, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clarence E. Keske, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Gesnes, France, October 14, 1918. When his battalion was held up
and suffering heavy losses from flanking fire of four enemy machine-gun nests,
Private Keske volunteered and advanced to a position
250 yards ahead of the line and helped to establish a position neutralizing the
enemy fire, which enabled the battalion to re-form. He remained in this
advanced position, inspiring by his courageous example his comrades to maintain
the position, although under terrific machine-gun fire from three sides and
hand grenades, until he was killed.
General Orders No. No. 56, W.D., 1922
Born: at Oak Grove, Wisconsin
Home Town: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Kielpinski, Vincent P.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company K, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 31, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Vincent P. Kielpinski, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism
in action near Juvigny, France, August 31, 1918. When his company had become
disorganized and his company commander gassed, Sergeant Kielpinski
carried orders under intense fire and assisted in reorganizing the company.
Though he was wounded the next day and ordered to the hospital, he returned
from the dressing station to his company and continued in action.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Born: at Chicago, Illinois
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Klaviter, Emil O.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Machine-Gun Company, 362d Infantry Reg., 91st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 29, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Emil O. Klaviter, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action near Gesnes, France, September 29, 1918. Private Klaviter, a runner and signalman, while carrying a message
to the attacking battalion, encountered an enemy machine-gun nest.
Single-handed he killed two of the German machine-gunners and captured six
others, together with their gun, ammunition, and belts. The prisoners were then
turned over to some other soldiers and forced to carry a wounded officer to the
rear, while Private Klaviter continued on his
mission.
General Orders 64, W.D., 1919
Born: at Princeton, Wisconsin
Home Town: Reno, Nevada
*Kobernat, James F.
Private, U.S. Army
Company M, 307th Infantry Reg., 77th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 11, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James F. Kobernat, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action in the Forest of Argonne, France, October 11, 1918. Private Kobernat succeeded in establishing an automatic rifle post
under heavy machine-gun fire. In the face of this heavy fire he continually
advanced until he was killed.
General Orders No. No. 142, W.D., 1918
Born: at Hurley, Wisconsin
Home Town: Hill City, Minnesota
*Kochanik, John
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company K, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Kochanik, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Fismes, France, August 4, 1918. Ordering his squad to take cover,
Corporal Kochanik, single-handed, rushed an enemy
machine gun and killed the two Germans manning it. As he was turning the captured
gun on the enemy, this courageous soldier was killed by a sniper.
General Orders 95, W.D., 1919
Born: at Austria
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Koerper, Frank P.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 131st Infantry Reg., 33d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 26, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank P. Koerper, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Gercourt, France, September 26, 1918.
Under heavy machine-gun fire Corporal Koerper crept
up to a church and captured four of the enemy who were operating machine-guns
from this building.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
Korth, Herman
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company D, 121st Machine-Gun Battalion, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 31, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Herman Korth, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Juvigny, north of Soissons, France, August 31, 1918. Under heavy
fire from machine guns and artillery, Sergeant Korth
crawled to the crest of a hill, setting stakes to line our artillery on enemy
machine-gun emplacements. He remained in observation in this perilous position
for half an hour, signaling back when our own troops were endangered by the
fire of the batteries.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Born: at Germany
Home Town: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
*Kreis, Jacob
Private, U.S. Army
Company I, 47th Infantry Reg., 4th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jacob Kreis, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action at St. Thibaut, France, August 10, 1918.
Accompanied by another soldier, Private Kreis
penetrated the enemy's lines and patrolled a sector from the north bank of the
River Vesle to the town of Bazoches. These two men
entered an enemy dug-out and killed two Germans, at the same time locating a
machine-gun emplacement.
General Orders No. No. 147, W.D., 1918
Born: at Russia
Home Town: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Kubacki, Steve
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company D, 55th Infantry Reg., 7th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Steve Kubacki, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Jaulny, France, November 10, 1918. After
leading his platoon to its objective, and having consolidated a defense
position, Sergeant Kubacki alone went forward under
heavy shell fire to reconnoiter the enemy's position. Finding the area clear,
he moved his platoon 300 yards forward to a more favorable position, which he
held despite the fierce fire of the enemy.
General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919
Born: at Germany
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Kuhlman, George
Winfield
Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army
107th Engineers, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 5 - 6, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George Winfield
Kuhlman, Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 5 - 6, 1918. Second Lieutenant
Kuhlman was sent on the night of August 5 - 6, 1918, to make a reconnaissance
of all possible means of crossing the River Vesle, near Fismes, France. It had
been reported that the Germans had all retreated from the south bank of the
river, but he found that such was not the case; they were there in force.
Nevertheless, such was his bravery and determination that he crossed into and
through the German lines, made a full reconnaissance, and returned with his
report.
General Orders No. 99, W.D., 1918
Born: at Algoma, Wisconsin
Home Town: Glidden, Wisconsin
Kwasigroch, Paul J.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
6th Infantry Reg., 5th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 5 - 6, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Paul J. Kwasigroch, Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Bois-de-Chatillon,
France, November 5 - 6, 1918. Despite severe leg wounds Lieutenant Kwasigroch remained on duty with his company throughout the
entire action, refusing treatment until his objective had been reached and the
remainder of his company reorganized and a liaison established. On the
following day after first aid had been given he returned immediately to duty,
and during the remaining advances commanded in a most skillful and courageous
manner, he being the only officer left with the organization.
General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919
Born: at Linden Station, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Langemak, Fritzhof G.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company M, 28th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Fritzhof
G. Langemak, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action near Exermont, France, October 4,
1918. In the absence of any commissioned officer Corporal Langemak
assumed command of the platoon of which he was a member when it was in serious
danger because of lack of leadership. With utter disregard for personal safety,
subjected to intense machine-gun fire, he coolly reorganized the men about him,
most of whom were replacements who had never been in
action. Although lost and without maps he led his men in vigorous attacks
against the enemy forces and well placed machine-gun nests, eventually reaching
his objectives where he reestablished liaison with his flanks and continued the
advance. By his fearlessness and aggressiveness he prevented the enemy from
gaining advantage of a gap which was starting to open in our attacking line,
and by his initiative aided the advance of the troops on his flanks.
General Orders No. 9, W.D., 1923
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Larson, Colonel
Corporal, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 1 - 3, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Colonel Larson,
Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Juvigny, France,
September 1 - 3, 1918. Corporal Larson constantly patrolled the telephone lines
in front of Juvigny, repairing the lines under heavy artillery and machine-gun
fire. Near Ecurey, when the enemy artillery fire was so intense as to make
telephonic communications impossible, Corporal Larson, on duty as a lineman,
volunteered as a runner, and served as such under extremely heavy fire until
completely exhausted.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Born: at Lewis, Wisconsin
Home Town: Neillsville, Wisconsin
Larson, Julius D.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company F, 7th Engineers, 5th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 3, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Julius D. Larson,
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Brieulles, France, November 3, 1918. With indomitable
courage and bravery, Private Larson rendered most valuable assistance in the
construction of a pontoon bridge across the Meuse River, and two other bridges
across the Canal Est. At both places the work was done in the face of heavy
machine-gun fire.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Chaseburg, Wisconsin
Home Town: Chaseburg, Wisconsin
*Leitner, Aloysius
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
Headquarters Company, 5th Reg. (Marines), 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Aloysius Leitner, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary
heroism while serving with the Headquarters Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d
Division, A.E.F. in action June 12, 1918, in the attack on Bois-de-Belleau,
France. Although seriously wounded, Private Leitner
displayed extraordinary heroism in assisting to capture three officers and one
hundred sixty-nine men of the enemy forces, after which he continued forward
and aided in taking six more prisoners, who were operating a machine gun. The
wounds received while performing these valiant deeds proved fatal.
General Orders 99, W.D., 1919
Born: at Charlesburg, Wisconsin
Home Town: Holstein, Wisconsin
Other Award: Navy Cross (Same Action)
Lewis, James
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company I, 28th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4 - 11, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James Lewis, Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Exermont,
France, October 4 - 11, 1918. Sergeant Lewis volunteered repeatedly for
dangerous missions; and, a private at the time, took command of the platoon
when all the noncommissioned officers had become casualties. In leading his men
forward, he inspired them by his personal bravery, ably directing the
consolidation of the objective when taken. Placed in permanent command of his
platoon by his company commander, he led an attack with marked disregard of
personal danger and later led ration and water details through heavily gassed
and shelled areas to obtain supplies for his men.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Born: at Boyceville, Wisconsin
Home Town: Hay River, Wisconsin
Lienhard, Jacob
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
17th Company, 5th Reg. (Marines), 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jacob Lienhard, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the 17th Company, 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, October 4,
1918. Second Lieutenant Lienhard led his men in an attack
on a strongly held enemy position through heavy machine-gun and shell fire, and
although severely wounded continued to lead and encourage his men.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Born: at Plymouth, Wisconsin
Home Town: Plymouth, Wisconsin
Other Award: Navy Cross (Same Action)
Liggett, Harry B.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
Company A, 122d Machine-Gun Battalion, 33d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harry B. Liggett,
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action
near Bois-de-Chaume, France, October 10, 1918.
Leading his platoon under heavy shell and machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Liggett
launched an attack on two enemy machine-gun nests. Accompanied by one soldier
he silenced the fire from one nest with rifle fire, and directed the fire of
his platoon so that the other nest was destroyed. He was severely wounded in
this action.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Broadhead, Wisconsin
Home Town: Freeport, Illinois
Lloyd, Wilfred
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company L, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Wilfred Lloyd, Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes,
France, August 4, 1918. Wounded while advancing under machine-gun fire, he
showed highest devotion to duty by returning to his company as soon as he had
obtained first-aid treatment. He crawled to a road, secured a pistol to replace
the one he had lost when he was wounded, and joined a group which attacked a
machine-gun nest, capturing the position and the machine gun.
General Orders No. No. 128, W.D., 1918
Born: at Roscoe, Illinois
Home Town: Beloit, Wisconsin
Loken, Clarence
Private, U.S. Army
Company M, 356th Infantry Reg., 89th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clarence Loken, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Beaufort, France, November 4, 1918. Private Laken
was engaged as a runner and made several trips through heavy bombardment from
the front line to the support battalion. Even, after his equipment had been
riddled by shell fragments, he continued, maintaining liaison between these two
points.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Morris, Wisconsin
Home Town: Morris, Wisconsin
Loomis, Casey V.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
73d Company, 6th Reg. (Marines), 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 15, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Casey V. Loomis,
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the
73d Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Thiaucourt, France, September 15, 1918. During an enemy
counterattack Corporal Loomis voluntarily left a sheltered position, and, in
entire disregard of his own safety, set up his gun in the open under heavy
enemy fire. By securing enfilading fire on the advancing enemy, he broke up the
counterattack within one hundred yards of our line.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Walhalla, North Dakota
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Other Award: Navy Cross (Same Action)
Luebke, Alvin J.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
142d Infantry Reg., 36th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 27, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alvin J. Luebke, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action at Roche, France, October 27, 1918. Regaining
consciousness while being carried to the rear after he had been wounded by an
exploding shell, First Lieutenant Luebke returned immediately
to his company, which he later led 500 meters into “No Man’s Land” for the
purpose of organizing his position preparatory to an attack the next morning.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Chicago, Illinois
Home Town: Forestville, Wisconsin
MacArthur, Douglas
A.
(First Award)
Brigadier General (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army
Chief of Staff, 42d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: March 9, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Douglas A. MacArthur,
Brigadier General (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action in the Salient-du-Feys, France, March 9, 1918. When Company D, 168th Infantry, was under
severe attack in the salient du Feys, France, General
MacArthur voluntarily joined it, upon finding that he could do so without
interfering with his normal duties, and by his coolness and conspicuous courage
aided materially in its success.
General Orders No. 27, W.D., 1919
Born: 1/26/1880 at Little Rock, Arkansas
Home Town: Ashland, Wisconsin
Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWII), Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross w/2d OLC (WWII)
MacArthur, Douglas
A.
(Second Award)
Brigadier General (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army
Chief of Staff, 42d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 14 - 16, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Douglas A. MacArthur,
Brigadier General (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for distinguished service
near Cote-de-Chatillon, France, October 14 - 16,
1918: As brigade commander General
MacArthur personally led his men and by the skillful maneuvering of his brigade
made possible the capture of Hills 288, 242, and the Cote-de-Chatillon, France, October 14, 15, and 16, 1918. He
displayed indomitable resolution and great courage in rallying broken lines and
in reforming attacks, thereby making victory possible. On a field where courage
was the rule, his courage was the dominant feature.
General Orders No. 27, W.D., 1919
Born: 1/26/1880 at Little Rock, Arkansas
Home Town: Ashland, Wisconsin
Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWII), Distinguished Service Cross (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross w/2d OLC (WWII)
Manders, Frank
Private, U.S. Army
Company I, 312th Infantry Reg., 78th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank Manders, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action at Grand Pre, France, November 1, 1918. After requesting that he be
permitted to lead a detail for the purpose of recovering the body of a wounded
comrade whom he had been forced to leave about 500 yards in front of their
lines earlier in the day when on patrol duty, Private Manders
led the detail of four men under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire on its
dangerous mission. After proceeding about 200 yards the detail felt that the
expedition was hopeless on account of the extremely heavy fire. Private Manders, however, refused to give up and insisted on the
detail going forward. By his own absolute disregard of personal safety and by
his own example he so inspired the members of the detail that they went forward
with him under the gravest danger for over 300 yards, recovered the wounded
comrade, and made their way back to their own lines.
General Orders No. No. 56, W.D., 1922
Born: at Kaukauna, Wisconsin
Home Town: Rockland, Wisconsin
Martin, Daniel J.
Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army
128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Daniel J. Martin,
Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Juvigny, north of Soissons, France, September 1, 1918. On numerous occasions
Captain Martin personally headed every forward movement of his command,
displaying superb courage in his absolute disregard for personal safety. In the
attack on Juvigny the battalion commanded by this officer was called upon to
execute a turning movement and effect junction with the French troops on the flank.
Under the personal direction of Captain Martin this turning movement was
completed across a hill strongly held by the enemy, its success being due to
his initiative. During this engagement Captain Martin was gassed and taken from
the field unconscious.
General Orders No. No. 143, W.D., 1918
Born: at Genesee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Waukesha, Wisconsin
Martinson, Alfred
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company E, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 19, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alfred Martinson,
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Carspach Woods, near Badricourt, Alsace, France, July 19,
1918. During an enemy raid on the sector held by the 3d platoon of Company E,
127th Infantry, which was preceded by a terrific and accurate barrage of
high-explosive shells and machine-gun fire, and although surrounded by a
superior enemy force, Private Martinson refused to surrender, but instead
jumped from his trench and with his automatic rifle repulsed the enemy.
General Orders No. 68, W.D., 1920
Born: at Blair, Wisconsin
Home Town: Eleva, Wisconsin
Maslowski, Vincent
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company D, 52d Infantry Reg., 6th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 14, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Vincent Maslowski, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Munster, Vosges Front, Alsace, September 14, 1918. Private First Class Maslowski,
with other men of his squad, was on duty in a firing trench in combat with the
enemy. A grenade thrown by one of the men struck the parapet and fell back into
the trench. Private Maslowski seized the grenade and
threw it from the trench just as it exploded, thereby saving his comrades and
himself from injury and possible death.
General Orders No. 27, W.D., 1919
Born: at Russia
Home Town: Racine, Wisconsin
Mathey, Maurice L.
Private, U.S. Army
Company F, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Maurice L. Mathey, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Juvigny, north of Soissons, France, September 1, 1918. In an attack
against a strong enemy position, supported by many machine-guns, Private Mathey, a runner, worked unceasingly in the maintenance of
liaison, and carried messages through the most severe machine-gun barrage. On
his last trip from the regimental post of command he was severely shell shocked,
but continued through the barrage to the battalion headquarters and delivered
his message.
General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Monroe, Wisconsin
*McCluskey, Ross
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company H, 53d Infantry Reg., 6th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ross McCluskey, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism
in action near Landersbach, Gerardmer
Sector, Alsace, October 4, 1918. Corporal McCluskey was a member of a party of 50 attacked by an
enemy raiding party consisting of about 300 storm troops. Although fatally
wounded en route to his post from his dugout, he did not falter, and, despite a
heavy bombardment, took up his position and continued to fight until the enemy
was repulsed. He imbued his men with such fighting spirit that, although
greatly outnumbered, they fought until the enemy was decisively beaten.
General Orders No. No. 130, W.D., 1918
Born: at Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Home Town: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
McCoy, Charles A.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company I, 26th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 5, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles A. McCoy,
Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, France,
October 5, 1918. Even though he himself was suffering from wounds, Corporal
McCoy refused evacuation, but after all superiors of his company had become
casualties, he assumed command, reorganizing the forces and consolidating the
position, working in the face of murderous machine-gun fire.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Argyle, Wisconsin
Home Town: Freeport, Illinois
McCunn, Walter T.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 303d Engineers (Attached), 78th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 29, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter T. McCunn, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action near Thiaucourt, France, September
29, 1918. Private McCunn was administering first aid
to two wounded comrades in No Man's Land, under heavy shell fire, when an
exploding shell killed both of the wounded, rendering him unconscious for more
than an hour. Upon his recovery, he remained at his post, administering
treatment to others.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Green Bay, Wisconsin
Home Town: East Orange, New Jersey
McKinney, Darel Jesse
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
83d Company, 6th Reg. (Marines), 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Darel
Jesse McKinney, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while
serving with the 83d Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in
action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, on June 8, 1918. Although severely
wounded, Sergeant McKinney refused to go to the rear for treatment. Despite his
wounds, he continued to lead his platoon to the attack, inflicting great losses
upon the enemy.
General Orders No. 110, W.D., 1918
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Other Award: Navy Cross (Same Action)
McLennan, Donald
J.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
142d Infantry Reg., 36th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Donald J. McLennan,
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action
near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. Leading a patrol of ten men with
orders to gain contact with the enemy, Lieutenant McLennan was suddenly
subjected to terrific machine-gun fire which wounded two of his men. He quickly
ordered his men to shelter, and in order to insure their safety, he ran across
an open space for a distance of 30 yards to draw the enemy's fire. Rejoining
his patrol by passing through the same deadly fire, he ordered them to
withdraw, covering their withdrawal, and reporting back to his company
commander with his two wounded men and much valuable information.
General Orders No. 50, W.D., 1919
Born: at Rib Lake, Wisconsin
Home Town: Wausau, Wisconsin
McMurry, Ora R.
(First Award)
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service
49th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ora
R. McMurry, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action near Romagne, France, October
4, 1918. Lieutenant McMurry was a member of a patrol
of seven machines which attacked 17 enemy Fokkers.
After shooting down one of the enemy, this officer returned to the fight and
shot down another.
General Orders: Unknown
Born: at Lake Preston, South Dakota
Home Town: Evansville, Wisconsin
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)
McMurry, Ora R.
(Second Award)
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service
49th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ora
R. McMurry, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action near Tages
and La Croix aux Bois, France, October 30, 1918. After becoming separated from
his patrol because of motor trouble, this officer encountered and attacked five
enemy planes (Fokker), and succeeded in shooting down one of them.
General Orders: Unknown
Born: at Lake Preston, South Dakota
Home Town: Evansville, Wisconsin
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)
McSorley, James
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company E, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James McSorley, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Roncheres, France, July 30, 1918. Painfully wounded in the left
arm, Sergeant McSorley continued to lead his platoon
in the face of terrific machine-gun fire, remaining with his men and directing
the advance until he was ordered to the rear.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Born: at Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Home Town: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Mitchell, William
"Billy"
Brigadier General (Signal Corps), U.S. Army Air Service
Chief of Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: March 26, July, and September 12 - 16, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William
"Billy" Mitchell, Brigadier General (Signal Corps), U.S. Army Air
Service, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action at Noyon, France, March 26, 1918; near the Marne River,
France, during July, 1918; and in the St. Mihiel salient, France, September 12
to 16, 1918. For displaying bravery far beyond that required by his position as
Chief of Air Service, 1st Army, American Expeditionary Forces, setting a
personal example to the United States aviation by piloting his airplane over
the battle lines since the entry of the United States into the war, some
instances being a flight in a monoplane over the battle of Noyon
on March 26, 1918, and the back areas, seeing and reporting upon the action of
both air and ground troops, which led to a change in our aviation's tactical
methods; a flight in a monoplane over the bridges which the Germans had laid
across the Marne during July 1918, which led to the first definite reports of
the location of these bridges and the subsequent attack upon the German troops
by our air forces; daily reconnaissances over the
lines during the battle of St. Mihiel salient, September 12 to 16, securing
valuable information of the enemy troops in the air and on the ground, which led
to the excellent combined action by the allied air services and ground troops
particularly this battle.
General Orders No. No. 120, W.D., 1918
Born: 12/28/1879 at Nice, France
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mix, Ralph B.
Private, U.S. Army
Company F, 312th Infantry Reg., 78th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 17, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ralph B. Mix, Private,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Grand Pre, France, October
17, 1918. While carrying a message through heavy shell and machine-gun fire to
an advanced platoon, Private Mix found two wounded men, whose injuries he
dressed. Upon returning from his mission, he asked for and received permission
to take food to the wounded men. He subsequently made two trips through intense
fire, carrying them back to shelter.
General Orders No. 35, W.D., 1919
Born: at Marinette, Wisconsin
Home Town: Hudson Falls, New York
Montag, Bernard William
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
55th Company, 5th Reg. (Marines), 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 19, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Bernard William Montag, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary
heroism while serving with the 55th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d
Division, A.E.F. in action near Vierzy, France, July
19, 1918. Corporal Montag and Privates McIntyre, Messinger, and Wood, captured a machine gun which was
holding up the 55th Company of Marines, killing the entire crew. To accomplish
this hazardous and daring work it was necessary for t hem to expose themselves to the fire of this gun. Even though Corporal Montag and Privates McIntyre and Messinger
were wounded during the advance, the party continued forward and succeeded.
General Orders No. 117, W.D., 1918
Born: at Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Home Town: Toledo, Ohio
Other Award: Navy
Cross (Same Action)
Montee, Jesse A.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
61st Infantry Reg., 5th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 11 - November 11, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jesse A. Montee, Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Cunel, France,
October 11 - November 11, 1918. Lieutenant Montee
displayed high qualities of leadership, repeatedly reconnoitering advanced
positions under terrific artillery and machine-gun fire, and leading patrols
into enemy territory, thereby facilitating the advance of his battalion. On one
occasion, when the battalion had been nearly surrounded by hostile machine
guns, he went to the rear and successfully brought up reinforcements. Later,
while acting as battalion adjutant, he accompanied the assaulting waves in all
attacks; and by his utter disregard for danger, assisted in maintaining order
among the attacking troops and establishing lines.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Born: at Rock Valley, Iowa
Home Town: Superior, Wisconsin
Morris, Edward M.
Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service
104th Aero Squadron, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward M. Morris,
Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service, for extraordinary
heroism in action near Landres-et-St. Georges,
France, October 30, 1918. Unable, to complete a photographic
mission, owing to motor trouble, Lieutenant Morris, with his observer, made a
reconnaissance behind the German lines. They dispersed a battalion of enemy
troops, and although twice attacked by enemy patrols, drove them off and each
case brought down one enemy plane. They remained in the air until their motor
failed completely.
General Orders No. 35, W.D., 1919
Born: at Martinette, Wisconsin
Home Town: New York, New York
Mueller, Joseph,
Jr.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company F, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 10 - 11, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph Mueller, Jr.,
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Jametz, France, November 10 - 11, 1918. Private Mueller, a
runner, successfully maintained liaison between his company, which formed the
liaison group with another division, and regimental headquarters, promptly
carrying numerous messages across an area under heavy fire.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Born: at Austria-Hungary
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
*Nelson, Arthur E.
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army
Company C, 1st Field Signal Battalion, 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur E. Nelson,
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Vaux,
France, on July 1, 1918. Under heavy bombardment, while sick Sergeant First
Class Nelson went to maintain communication with an attacking battalion of the
infantry and was killed in this heroic action.
General Orders No. 99, W.D., 1918
Born: at Kenosha, Wisconsin
Home Town: Albert Lea, Minnesota
Nicol, Alexander L.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
Company L, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alexander L. Nicol, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Juvigny, north of Soissons, France, August
30, 1918. After being severely wounded Lieutenant Nicol
directed the orderly retirement of his company and organized it under heavy
fire of artillery and machine guns. At great personal risk he made several
trips forward to bring in wounded men. Throughout the entire action he
fearlessly exposed himself to fire in order to encourage and cheer his men. His
energetic and faithful work furnished an example of calmness and courage to the
men under his command.
General Orders No. 116, W.D., 1919
Born: at Sparta, Wisconsin
Home Town: Sparta, Wisconsin
*Noble, Clarence
G.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 3, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clarence G. Noble,
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action
near St. Gilles, France, August 3, 1918. Lieutenant Noble voluntarily exposed
himself to heavy shell fire in placing his men under cover during a heavy
bombardment. While assisting a wounded soldier he was struck by a shell and
killed.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Reedsville, Wisconsin
Home Town: Soperton, Wisconsin
*Nowak, John M.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company K, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John M. Nowak,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France,
August 4, 1918. After being severely wounded Sergeant Nowak refused to go to
the rear for first aid, but bravely continued in the advance. While he was
helping to reform his company under a heavy machine-gun barrage shortly
afterwards he was killed.
General Orders 95, W.D., 1919
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Olsen, Olaf S.
Private, U.S. Army
Company I, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 31, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Olaf S. Olsen, Private,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Juvigny, France, August 31,
1918. Private Olsen was a squad leader in the second platoon. After reaching
his objective he displayed extraordinary qualities of leadership in organizing
scattering squads of Company I and placing them in advantageous positions in
spite of severe machine-gun fire and artillery bombardment. His disregard of
danger and fine leadership were an inspiration to his comrades.
General Orders No. No. 1244, W.D., 1918
Born: at Swift County, Minnesota
Home Town: Superior, Wisconsin
Orcutt, Iver
Private, U.S. Army
Company E, 56th Infantry Reg., 7th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Iver Orcutt, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Preny, France, November 1, 1918. When it
was rumored that several of the front line companies had been forced to
withdraw, Private Orcutt volunteered and went over
the entire front during the night, reporting back the exact location of each
unit. His mission was accomplished under shrapnel fire and gas, but he
succeeded where many other runners had failed.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Mazomanie, Wisconsin
Home Town: Seattle, Washington
Palmer, Donald D.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company C, 107th Field Signal Battalion, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Donald D. Palmer,
Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cierges, France,
August 2, 1918. Corporal Palmer was a member of a detachment stringing
telephone wire far in advance of the front lines through the heaviest artillery
fire. When connection was established at a point within 100 yards of the German
line and before the American advance was begun, he volunteered to remain there
until our troops had advanced far enough to establish the advance regimental
post of command at that place. His devotion to duty under conditions of
greatest danger assisted immeasurably in maintaining unity of action between
the front lines and regimental post of command, and his utter indifference to
his own safety made easier the capture of a strong enemy position.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Born: at Green Bay, Wisconsin
Home Town: West Allis, Wisconsin
Parkhill, Oakley L.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
61st Infantry Reg., 5th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 13 - November 11, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Oakley L. Parkhill, Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action in the Bois-du-Fays, France, October
13 to November 11, 1918. On October 13, Lieutenant Parkhill,
in company with another lieutenant, was wounded by the explosion of a shell.
Regardless of his own wound, Lieutenant Parkhill
administered first aid to his companion, and carried him to a first-aid
station. After he was evacuated to the field hospital, Lieutenant Parkhill refused to be evacuated to the S. O. S. Hospital,
and on October 15 returned to duty with his company. During the period, October
25 to November 11, while in command of Company E, 61st Infantry, he repeatedly
exposed himself to enemy fire while reconnoitering and leading his company.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Thorp, Wisconsin
Home Town: Abbottsford, Wisconsin
Pawel, Vinton
Supply Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company M, 28th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18 - 22, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Vinton Pawel, Supply Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 18 - 22, 1918. As supply sergeant
of his company, Sergeant Pawel voluntarily and
fearlessly led a platoon of his company in an attack on St. Amand
Farm at the Soissons-Paris Road, spurring his men on to their objectives under
intense machine-gun fire. His company officers having been killed, wounded, or
called to higher units, he assumed command of his company, frequently exposing
himself to heavy enemy fire during its reorganization and preparation for a
renewal of the advance. On July 20 - 21 he again led his company in the
assault, inspiring his men by his utter disregard of personal safety,
maintaining constant liaison with his flanks and with his battalion commander,
refusing repeatedly to be evacuated, although severely and painfully wounded by
shrapnel, until relieved on July 22 by a commissioned officer.
General Orders No. 9, W.D., 1923
Born: at Russia
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
*Peck, Myron H.
Captain (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army
2d Battalion, 2d Engineers, 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Myron H. Peck, Captain
(Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at St.
Etienne, France, October 9, 1918. While in command of his battalion, holding
part of the line in St. Etienne, Captain Peck personally conducted a
reconnaissance, after previous patrols had failed, in
order to establish liaison with the troops on his right. Captain Peck lost his
life during this reconnaissance.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Racine, Wisconsin
Home Town: Montclair, New Jersey
*Peck, William R.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company C, 354th Infantry Reg., 42d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William R. Peck,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Remonville, France, November 1, 1918. Sergeant Peck was
advancing with his company across an open field when an enemy machine gun
opened fire on them from the right front. The attention of the platoon commander
was occupied by the enemy in his front while the enemy on the right flank was
directing his gun upon him. Observing that the gunner was aiming directly at
Second Lieutenant William S. Holcombe, Sergeant Peck threw himself against the
lieutenant, pushing him into a shell hole, thereby saving his life, but
exposing himself to the fire of the hostile gun which killed him instantly.
General Orders No. No. 1, W.D., 1934
Born: at Zumbrota, Minnesota
Home Town: Washburn, Wisconsin
Peterson, Walter
O. L.
First Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company H, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 5, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter O. L. Peterson,
First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Romagne,
France, October 5, 1918. Because of casualties among officers, Sergeant
Peterson was placed in command of the second wave, which he led with
exceptional bravery and leadership. When it became isolated in a fog, he
crawled forward by himself to ascertain the character of troops which were seen
one kilometer to the front, and upon finding that they were hostile,
immediately established liaison with adjacent units and straightened out his
line after breaking up several enemy machine-gun nests.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Menominee, Michigan
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Platten, Michael
A.
Cook, U.S. Army
Battery B, 121st Field Artillery, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 14, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Michael A. Platten,
Cook, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Chery-Chartreuve,
France, August 14, 1918. When the gun crews of the platoons in the woods were
forced to withdraw on account of the intense enemy shelling, a wounded man was
left behind. Noticing this, Cook Flatten rushed into the woods despite the
continued shelling and brought the man to safety.
General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Born: at Green Bay, Wisconsin
Home Town: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Powless, Josiah A.
First Lieutenant (Medical Corps), U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 308th Infantry Reg. (Attached), 77th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 14, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Josiah A. Powless, First Lieutenant (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Chevieres,
France, October 14, 1918. When notified that his colleague, Captain James M. McKibben, had been wounded, Lieutenant Powless
immediately went forward to his assistance. He crossed an area subjected to
intense machine-gun and constant artillery fire, reached his colleague, whose
wound proved to be fatal, and, after dressing his wounds, had him carried to the rear. Lieutenant Powless
was seriously wounded while performing this service.
General Orders No. No. 46, W.D., 1920
Born: at Oneida Reservation, Wisconsin
Home Town: West Depere, Wisconsin
*Purdy, Willard D.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company A, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Willard D. Purdy,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Hegenbach, Alsace, July 4, 1918. Upon returning with his
patrol after a reconnaissance on the enemy's line, Sergeant Purdy was calling
the roll of his men and collecting their hand grenades, when the pin of one of
the grenades became disengaged. Seeing that the grenade could not be thrown
away without injuring some of the men, Sergeant Purdy called on them all to
run, while he picked up three of the grenades, and, bending over, held them
against his stomach. The grenades exploded, killing Sergeant Purdy instantly,
but his presence of mind and self-sacrificing act saved the lives of his
comrades.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Born: at Shawano, Wisconsin
Home Town: Marshfield, Wisconsin
Raleigh, Walter J.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company A, 107th Ammunition Train, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter J. Raleigh,
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Juvigny, north of Soissons, France, September 4, 1918. During a heavy enemy
bombardment a shell burst near two ammunition trucks that were being unloaded
at a dump, blowing up one truck and setting fire to the other. Disregarding the
warnings of bystanders, Private Raleigh rushed forward, cranked the engine of
the burning truck and assisted in backing it to a place of safety while others
extinguished the fire. His conspicuous bravery was the means of saving a large
quantity of ammunition.
General Orders No. No. 137, W.D., 1918
Born: at Menasha, Wisconsin
Home Town: Menasha, Wisconsin
Raykman, Roy
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Battery A, 151st Field Artillery, 42d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 26, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Roy Raykman,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near the Cote-de-Chatillon, France, October 26,
1918. During a heavy bombardment of his ammunition train, when one man and
twelve horses were killed and several men wounded, Sergeant Raykman
displayed coolness and quick judgment in cutting loose the dead horses and
straightening out the train. He then returned through the shell fire and
searched in the darkness until he found all the wounded.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at South Chicago, Illinois
Home Town: Clam Falls, Wisconsin
Reich, Louis B.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Louis B. Reich, First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Cierges, France, August 1, 1918. Lieutenant Reich voluntarily went forward and
exposed himself in order to draw the enemy machine-gun fire so as to locate
their position. He succeeded in ascertaining their positions and while
returning to his front line he was hit and severely wounded by a shell
fragment; but refusing to be evacuated, he returned to his organization and
remained in action throughout the engagement.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Born: at Rome, Wisconsin
Home Town: Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
Rinebold, William J.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Section No. 524, Ambulance Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 8 - 9, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William J. Rinebold, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 8 - 9, 1918,
Private Rinebold volunteered and acted as guide for
ambulances going to the most advanced points for the wounded. He made nine
trips over a road subjected to heavy shell and machine-gun fire and was
severely wounded by a shell fragment on his last trip.
General Orders No. 26, W.D., 1919
Born: at Superior, Wisconsin
Home Town: Athens, Pennsylvania
Roberts, Claude R.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company G, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Claude R. Roberts,
Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Terny-Sorny,
France, September 1, 1918. Although wounded in the left hand and forearm,
Corporal Roberts remained with his platoon throughout the attack and rendered
valuable assistance in silencing enemy snipers by his effective rifle fire.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Racine, Wisconsin
Home Town: Wausau, Wisconsin
Robinson, Arthur
Harrison
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
308th Infantry Reg., 77th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 22, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur Harrison
Robinson, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Ville Savoye, France, August 22, 1918.
Under a screen of dense fog, and the smoke of a heavy barrage, the Germans set
up a machine-gun within 30 yards of the flank of Lieutenant Robinson's company.
The Germans opened up a deadly fire as the fog lifted, but Lieutenant Robinson
attacked the position with grenades and drove off the enemy. He then turned the
gun on the advancing Germans, completely breaking up their counterattack.
General Orders No. 35, W.D., 1919
Born: at Baraboo, Wisconsin
Home Town: Madison, Wisconsin
Robinson, Philip
K.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
306th Infantry Reg., 77th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Philip K. Robinson,
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action
near Mont-Notre-Dame, France, September 10, 1918. The 3d Battalion, 306th
Infantry, having relieved another regiment in a position in front of
Mont-Notre-Dame, it was reported that wounded members of the organization
relieved were in the Bois-de-Chandriere in front of
the position occupied by the 3d Battalion. Lieutenant Robinson, together with a
noncommissioned officer and a private of his battalion, volunteered to search
the woods and proceeded on his hazardous mission, crossing an open field, a
distance of 600 yards, under direct observation of the enemy and under a
concentration of heavy enemy machine-gun and artillery fire. Finding several
wounded men he assisted them to return to their own lines, undoubtedly saving
their lives. The extraordinary heroism and soldierly devotion to duty displayed
by Lieutenant Robinson greatly inspired the men of his battalion.
General Orders No. No. 14, W.D., 1923
Born: at Green Bay, Wisconsin
Home Town: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Rolain, Ray C.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company L, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 31, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ray C. Rolain, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action at Juvigny, France, August 31, 1918. Sergeant Rolain
attacked a machine-gun nest single-handed after the four soldiers accompanying
him had been wounded. He killed the operator of one gun and captured the
remainder of two gun crews and both guns.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Born: at Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Home Town: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
*Running, Tilmer A.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
114th Infantry Reg., 29th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Tilmer
A. Running, Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism
in action near Verdun, France, October 12, 1913. While advancing on an enemy
position, under direct machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Running was seriously
wounded, but remained with his platoon until he died.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Cashton, Wisconsin
Home Town: Viroqua, Wisconsin
Rusch, Ernest J. G.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
18th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ernest J. G. Rusch, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, France, October
9, 1918. Although previously wounded several times Lieutenant Rusch steadfastly remained in command of his platoon of
machine guns and gallantly led it forward into position through heavy artillery
and machine-gun fire to support his Infantry, which had been held up by enemy
fire. By his timely action, his skill in location of his guns and the direction
of their fire, and his absolute disregard of personal danger, he quickly caused
the withdrawal of the enemy machine guns, thus enabling his Infantry to advance
from its precarious position where it was suffering heavy losses from direct
fire of enemy machine guns and artillery.
General Orders No. No. 38, W.D., 1922
Born: at Germany
Home Town: Neenah, Wisconsin
Sakrison, Roy H.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
Headquarters, 80th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Roy H. Sakrison, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Nantillois,
France, October 4, 1918. Lieutenant Sakriston, with a
group of observers and signalmen, was in charge of the forward observation
post. When the infantry advanced he followed closely with his telephone lines
and established another post on Hill 274. Though he was several times buried by
bursting shells, Lieutenant Sakrison continued to
make reports over the telephone until he was seriously wounded. After walking
to a dressing station and securing first aid he returned to his post through
heavy shell fire and continued to transmit important information for three
hours until relieved.
General Orders 7, W.D., 1919
Born: at Deer Park, Wisconsin
Home Town: Deer Park, Wisconsin
Schuchart, Frank
Private, U.S. Army
Company L, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 30 & November 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank Schuchart, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Juvigny, France, August 30, 1918, and in the Argonne Forest,
France, November 8, 1918. During the attack near Juvigny,
Private Schuchart, while acting as runner, repeatedly
exposed himself to severe enemy artillery and machine-gun fire. After the
attack he voluntarily joined in the work of clearing the field of wounded under
heavy enemy fire. On November 8, while carrying an important message he was
severely wounded in the left leg. He stopped in a shell hole, dressed the wound
himself, proceeded to deliver the message and did not report for treatment.
General Orders 95, W.D., 1919
Born: at Liberty, Wisconsin
Home Town: Belmont, Wisconsin
Schultz, Arthur
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company I, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur Schultz,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Juvigny, north of
Soissons, France, August 30, 1918. Sergeant Schultz displayed great courage and
coolness during an attack in going forward under heavy fire and firing upon
machine-gun emplacements. Later, when a retirement was ordered, he remained in
advance of the line to carry back the wounded, in spite of heavy fire from
artillery and machine guns.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Born: at Menasha, Wisconsin
Home Town: Neenah, Wisconsin
Schwanke, Otto A.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company B, 47th Infantry Reg., 4th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Otto A. Schwanke, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary
heroism in action at Sergy, France, August 1, 1918. Private First Class Schwanke displayed the greatest devotion to duty, loyalty,
and courage by repeatedly volunteering, night and day, to carry messages under
the heaviest machine-gun and shell fire from his battalion commander to the
company commanders, thereby maintaining efficient liaison at all times.
General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Born: at Rockland, Wisconsin
Home Town: Potter, Wisconsin
Seidel, Thomas
Private, U.S. Army
Company G, 26th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 19, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas Seidel, Private,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 19,
1918. With two other soldiers Private Seidel rushed a machine-gun position,
killed the crew, and captured the gun in order to make the advance of his
platoon possible.
General Orders No. No. 132, W.D., 1918
Born: at Greenwood, Wisconsin
Home Town: Neenah, Wisconsin
Sevalia, Walter S.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company F, 7th Engineers, 5th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 3, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter S. Sevalia, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Breuilles, France, November 3, 1918.
Corporal Sevelia swam the Meuse River with a cable
for a pontoon bridge, under direct machine-gun fire. Later he carried a cable
for another bridge over the Est
Canal, across an open field covered by enemy machine-guns. Here he was wounded
by a machine-gun bullet, but returned carrying a message of great importance.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Ashland, Wisconsin
Home Town: Brule, Wisconsin
Shanahan, Edward
T.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company I, 165th Infantry Reg., 42d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 28, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward T. Shanahan,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the face of violent
artillery and machine-gun fire near Sergy and Seringes,
France, on July 28, 1918. Sergeant Shanahan selected a squad of men and rushed
a machine-gun that had been harassing his company with its fire. He reached and
captured the gun and killed the crew.
General Orders No. No. 108, W.D., 1918
Born: at Liberty, Wisconsin
Home Town: Manville, New Jersey
Shedlewski, John F.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company A, 107th Ammunition Train, 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John F. Shedlewski, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Juvigny, north of Soissons, France,
September 4, 1918. During a heavy enemy bombardment a shell burst near two
ammunition trucks that were being unloaded at a dump, blowing up one truck and
setting fire to the other. Disregarding the warnings of bystanders, Private Shedlewski rushed forward and assisted in throwing the
burning cushions and cover off the truck and backing it to a place of safety.
His conspicuous bravery was the means of saving a large quantity of ammunition.
General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Born: at Menasha, Wisconsin
Home Town: Menasha, Wisconsin
Shipley, George A.
Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army
23d Infantry Reg., 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George A. Shipley,
Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, November
1, 1918. During the attack Lieutenant Shipley's organization was held up by
machine-gun fire from the front. Captain Shipley exposed himself to heavy fire
in order to make a flank attack on the enemy. Armed with a rifle, he
courageously attacked a machine-gun position, which resulted in the capture of
the gun and 28 prisoners. During the period from November 1 to 7 he led a
battalion in its attack on the Bois Hazois and Bois L'Epasse, and led a detachment which captured the strongly
defended town of L'Etanne. His valiant conduct had a
marked moral effect upon his men.
General Orders No. No. 35, W.D., 1920
Born: at Montport, Wisconsin
Home Town: Platteville, Wisconsin
Siebert, Walter
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company F, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 16, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter Siebert,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Gesnes, France, October
16, 1918. Locating an enemy machine-gun nest, Private Siebert advanced on it
alone and, by accurate fire from his automatic rifle, killed or wounded the
members of the crew, thereby saving his company heavy casualties.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Born: at Gresham, Wisconsin
Home Town: Shepley, Wisconsin
Slagsvol, Oscar T.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 3, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Oscar T. Slagsvol, Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near St. Gilles, France, August 3, 1918.
Commanding the battalion patrols, Lieutenant Slagsvol
was engaged continuously throughout the day in making reconnaissances
under heavy fire. Although wounded, he preceded the battalion into the enemy's
position and continued to perform his duties until he was overcome by
exhaustion.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Home Town: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Spencer, John D.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
Company B, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John D. Spencer, First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at
Fismes, France, August 4, 1918. While leading his company in the attack against
Fismes First Lieutenant Spencer was knocked down and severely wounded by
machine-gun fire. Without regard to his wounds he regained his feet and
continued to lead his command until again severely wounded.
General Orders No. No. 124, W.D., 1918
Born: at Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Home Town: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
*Springer, Frank
Private, U.S. Army
Company C, 1st Engineers, 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 20, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank Springer,
Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France,
July 20, 1918. When volunteers were called for by his company commander,
Private Springer volunteered and rescued wounded comrades from a barrage.
Disregarding danger to himself, he continued the performance of these heroic
deeds until killed.
General Orders No. No. 124, W.D., 1918
Born: at Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin
Home Town: Aurora, Illinois
Stafford, Thomas
J.
Private, U.S. Army
Company L, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas J. Stafford,
Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Juvigny, France,
September 1, 1918. Locating an enemy machine-gun nest, Private Stafford, upon
his own initiative, organized a patrol and led it in an attack on the hostile
position, thereby facilitating the advance of the company.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Born: at Canada
Home Town: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Stavrum, Edwin R.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
23d Infantry Reg., 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edwin R. Stavrum, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action west of Chateau-Thierry, France, June 6, 1918.
Lieutenant Stavrum was severely wounded in the left
shoulder during the first phase of the attack. In spite of his wound he
conducted his platoon to its objective and exposed himself to heavy fire in
order to organize his position for defense.
General Orders No. No. 27, W.D., 1920
Born: at La Crosse, Wisconsin
Home Town: LaCrosse, Wisconsin
Stevenson, Maurice
S.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
16th Infantry Reg., 1st Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Maurice S. Stevenson,
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action
near Exermont, France, October 9, 1918. Lieutenant
Stevenson displayed splendid devotion to duty by twice passing through a
terrific artillery and machine-gun barrage in order to transmit important
orders from his brigade commander to the assaulting battalion, and while in the
performance of such duty was seriously wounded, but refused to be evacuated
before he had made his report.
General Orders No. No. 128, W.D., 1918
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Kansas City, Missouri
Stuckrad, Arthur L.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company F, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 5, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur L. Stuckrad, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Gesnes, France, October 5, 1918. With two other soldiers, Corporal Struckrad advanced ahead of their company and rushed an
enemy machine-gun nest from the flank, capturing fourteen members of the crew
and two machine-guns, and thereby enabling the advance to continue. Carrying
the captured guns with them to the objective, they later used them successfully
in repelling a hostile counterattack.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Born: at Charles City, Iowa
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Taubert, Albert Adolph
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
66th Company, 5th Reg. (Marines), 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Albert Adolph Taubert, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary
heroism while serving with the 66th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d
Division, A.E.F. in action in the Villers Cotterets Forest, south of Soissons, France, July 18, 1918.
Private Taubert went out in advance of the line of
his company into the fire of a machine gun that was shooting at him and
captured the gun and its crew.
General Orders No. 117, W.D., 1918
Born: at Madison, Wisconsin
Home Town: Madison, Wisconsin
Other Award: Navy Cross (Same Action), Navy Cross w/Gold Star (2nd Haitian)
Taugher, Claude Buckley
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
6th Reg. (Marines), 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Claude Buckley Taugher, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d
Division, A.E.F. in action at Bayonville, France,
November 2, 1918. Lieutenant Taugher, with great
dash, led his platoon in surrounding enemy dugouts in the village of Bayonville before the occupants had time to escape or
organize effective resistance, capturing sixty-one of the enemy. Although
wounded in the ankle he refused to be evacuated.
General Orders No. 35, W.D., 1919
Born: at Wausau, Wisconsin
Home Town: Wausau, Wisconsin
Other Award: Navy Cross (Same Action)
*Taylor, Douglas
A.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 28 - 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Douglas A. Taylor,
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action
near Juvigny, France, August 28 - 30, 1918. Second Lieutenant Taylor displayed
marked heroism during the attack on Juvigny, and when mortally wounded, refused
to be evacuated, but continued to advance and gave orders to continue the
attack.
General Orders 74, W.D., 1919
Born: at Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Home Town: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Techel, Edward W.
Private, U.S. Army
Company B, 116th Infantry Reg., 29th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward W. Techel, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action in the Bois Brabant-sur-Meuse, France, October 8, 1918. With four other soldiers Private Techel attacked eight German machine-guns, captured them
and their crews in spite of determined resistance by the enemy.
General Orders No. 27, W.D., 1919
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Thalke, Max P.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company I, 128th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Max P. Thalke, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Juvigny, north of Soissons, France, August 30, 1918. Sergeant Thalke displayed unusual courage and gallantry in leading
his platoon forward under heavy fire from artillery and machine-guns. He also
gave first aid to the wounded while under fire, and when a retirement was
ordered he remained behind to carry back the wounded.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Born: at Aurora, Illinois
Home Town: Menasha, Wisconsin
Thorngate, George
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
6th Infantry Reg., 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 14 - 15, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George Thorngate, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Romagne, France, October 14 - 15, 1918.
Being seriously wounded, Lieutenant Thorngate
displayed marked devotion to duty by refusing to go to the rear and remaining
in command of his company until next day.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at North Loup, Nebraska
Home Town: Milton, Wisconsin
*Thorsen, Edwin B.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 3, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edwin B. Thorsen, Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
extraordinary heroism in action near Roncheres, France, July 3, 1918. Wounded
in the abdomen by a machine-gun bullet, Second Lieutenant Thorsen
continued to lead his men in the advance for 100 yards, till he fell from loss
of blood, dying later from his wound. His example was an inspiration to his
men.
General Orders 74, W.D., 1919
Born: at Ashland, Wisconsin
Home Town: Ashland, Wisconsin
Tuftin, Carl
Private, U.S. Army
Company D, 318th Infantry Reg., 80th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 4 - 5, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Carl Tuftin, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action near Sommauthe, France, November 4 - 5, 1918.
Private Tuftin volunteered for dangerous outpost
service within the enemy line. He worked his way behind enemy machine-guns, was
wounded, but refused to leave his post, and, by the skillful use of his
automatic rifle, assisted in driving the enemy from their entrenched positions.
Private Tuftin refused to leave his post, until the
battalion was relieved.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Born: at Norway
Home Town: Clayton, Wisconsin
*West, Carroll B.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company B, 12th Machine-Gun Battalion, 4th Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 30 & October 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Carroll B. West,
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near the Bois-des-Ogons, France, September 30, 1918, and October 2, 1918.
Sergeant West displayed exceptional courage and leadership in leading the
section forward and maintaining fire on the enemy from an advanced position in
the wood, successfully covering the withdrawal of the infantry to a more secure
position. This gallant soldier was killed two days later while he was
successfully directing his section in breaking up an enemy counter-attack.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Born: at Lakemills, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milton Junction, Wisconsin
Wetzel, Henry W.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company F, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Henry W. Wetzel,
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near
Gesnes, France, October 4 - 20, 1918. Private Wetzel, a company runner,
repeatedly volunteered for missions so hazardous that no others would attempt
them. At all hours of the day and night over unknown ground, he carried
numerous messages in the face of heavy machine-gun and shell fire.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Born: at Shawano, Wisconsin
Home Town: Shawano, Wisconsin
*White, Donald W.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
23d Infantry Reg., 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Donald W. White, Second
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Landres et St. Georges, France,
November 1, 1918. When the advance of his battalion was hindered by a strong
enemy machine-gun nest, Lieutenant White led his platoon forward in an attack
on the hostile position and was killed at the head of his platoon just before
the last machine-gun was put out of action.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Antigo, Wisconsin
Home Town: Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Whitman, Guy
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company F, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4 - 20, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Guy Whitman, Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Gesnes,
France, October 4 - 20, 1918. During this period, Private Whitman, although
many runners had been shot down, repeatedly volunteered and carried messages
through heavy enemy barrages, successfully accomplishing his work and thereby
saving the lives of many of his comrades.
General Orders 87, W.D., 1919
Born: at Shawano, Wisconsin
Home Town: Shawano, Wisconsin
Williams, John J.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
165th Infantry Reg., 42d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 28, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John J. Williams,
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action
near Villers-sur-Fere, France, July 28, 1918. When
all the other officers of his company had been killed or wounded, Second
Lieutenant Williams promptly took command, led his men through artillery and
machine-gun fire, rushed a machine-gun which was
blocking his advance, personally killed four members of its crew, gained his
objective and held it.
General Orders No. 99, W.D., 1918
Born: at Lapeer, Michigan
Home Town: Berlin, Wisconsin
Winton, David J.
Second Lieutenant (Armor), U.S. Army
Company C, 345th Tank Battalion, Tank Corps, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to David J. Winton, Second
Lieutenant (Armor), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Exermont, France, October 4, 1918. Lieutenant Winton (then
sergeant) ran his tank into the wood to reduce a machine-gun nest, but it was
hit and set on fire. He and the driver were wounded as they left the tank, but
advanced on the nest and were both wounded the second time. While attempting to
reach his companion, who had been hit the third time, Lieutenant Winton was
again wounded, but reached the driver. They then took cover and remained until
darkness, when Lieutenant Winton made his way back to our lines, being hit
three more times while returning.
General Orders No. 59, W.D., 1919
Born: at Warsaw, Wisconsin
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Witte, Louis
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company F, 127th Infantry Reg., 32d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Louis Witte, Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Roncheres, France, July 30,
1918. When all the other members of his automatic rifle squad had been killed
or wounded Sergeant Witte (then a private) took the dead gunner's automatic rifle
and kept it in action against the enemy. Considerable enemy machine-gun fire
was thereby drawn upon his and he was wounded, but he nevertheless continued to
maintain an effective fire while the remainder of his company was withdrawing.
He remained at his post firing until the entire company had withdrawn.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Born: at Shawano County, Wisconsin
Home Town: Shepley, Wisconsin
Wollert, Edward J.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
79th Company, 6th Reg. (Marines), 2d Div., A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 15, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward J. Wollert, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary
heroism while serving with the 79th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d
Division, A.E.F. in action near Thiaucourt, France,
September 15, 1918. At the risk of his life, Corporal Wollert
went to the aid of a wounded officer who was a prisoner in the hands of six
Germans. With his pistol he shot two of them, while the officer killed two
others. He captured the two remaining Germans and forced them to carry the
wounded officer back to our lines.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Born: at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Back To The Wisconsin
Distinguished Service Cross Page
since 16 January 2011