Distinguished Service Cross Recipients from Wisconsin during World War One (M-P)
Distinguished Service Cross Recipients from Wisconsin during World War I (M-P)
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.
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