John M. Gallagher

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John M. Gallagher, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 9, 1918. While his battalion was defending a hill captured from the enemy, Corporal Gallagher was placed on the extreme right of the line, nearest to the enemy, when an enemy counterattack was launched against their position. On account of the severe casualties inflicted, orders were given to withdraw. Remaining alone at his post after the withdrawal, Corporal Gallagher valiantly resisted the attack, advancing about 30 yards, when he saw the enemy strip the body of his dead commanding officer. Later, when his company drove the enemy beyond the former position, they found the body of Corporal Gallagher, lying across his rifle. In a circle, facing him, were the bodies of six Germans, whose lives he exacted during the unequal struggle.