Louis Abend

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Louis Abend, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cantigny, France, May 28 – 30, 1918. When all the officers of his platoon had become casualties under a heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, Corporal Abend, displaying great bravery and initiative, voluntarily took command, effected a reorganization of the platoon which was being rapidly depleted, and held his men so well in hand that they completely repulsed two powerful counterattacks launched by the enemy.