Jefferson B. Fletcher

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jefferson B. Fletcher, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Autry (Ardennes), France, October 6, 1918. First Lieutenant Fletcher was on his way to establish an advance aid station during a heavy bombardment when he was wounded by a shell fragment and his right ear drum broken. Two men accompanying him were killed, and the concussion of the exploding shell knocked him into a ditch full of water, where he lay for an hour. Displaying unfaltering devotion to duty, he continued on his mission, established the aid station, and remained in command of his section.