John J. Harmon

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John J. Harmon, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, France, October 10, 1918. Sergeant Harmon showed exceptional courage, initiative, and devotion to duty. After all the company officers were either killed or wounded, he assumed command, and with absolute disregard of his own safety did reorganize, under intense shell and machine-gun fire, the scattering units of the company and fearlessly led them to their objective. By this action many casualties were avoided, and by his personal example of coolness and courage the men were so encouraged and stimulated that they accomplished their difficult task.