Lee F. Gilstrap

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Lee F. Gilstrap, Bugler, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne- sur-Marne, France, October 8, 1918. In the assault of the 142d Infantry before the town of St. Etienne, Bugler Gilstrap voluntarily accompanied the first assaulting wave of his regiment. Under direct observation of the enemy he assisted many wounded men to shelter, with utter disregard for his own safety. Throughout the day he voluntarily carried messages from battalion to regimental headquarters through a zone swept by terrific enemy machine-gun, gas-shell, and high-explosive artillery fire. Repeatedly urged by officers and noncommissioned officers to seek shelter, he coolly declined to do so, continuing on his dangerous missions in complete contempt for the hottest fire, until badly burned by gas-shell fire and evacuated to hospital. During the course of the day he found several enemy soldiers hiding in shell holes. These men he required to carry wounded American soldiers to dressing stations. The indomitable heroism, contempt for enemy fire, and superb devotion to duty of Bugler Gilstrap served as an example of soldierly bravery and conduct to every man of his regiment and inspired them all to the greatest endeavors.