Distinguished Service Cross Recipients from Wisconsin during World War One (E-G)
Distinguished Service Cross Recipients from Wisconsin during World War I E-G
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.
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
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
Venson, 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