Distinguished Service Cross Recipients from Wisconsin during World War One (H-L)
Distinguished Service Cross Recipients from Wisconsin during World War I (H-L)
Read here of the deeds of these brave heroes and do not forget them!
The names which are preceded by an asterisk denote posthumous awards.
This table lists the recipients by date, they are listed alphabetically below.
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
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