Charles Ryman Herr

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles Ryman Herr, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Bois-des-Ogons, France, October 4 – 6, 1918. Suffering from the effects of mustard gas, Lieutenant Herr refused to leave his platoon and later, when his company commander was killed, took command of the company. Under the inspiration of his personal bravery his command overcame the most determined resistance and succeeded in getting a foothold in the Bois des Ogons while it was under flanking fire from machine guns and artillery. Lieutenant Herr personally visited his outposts under a heavy artillery and machine-gun barrage, inspiring confidence which enabled his men to maintain their position at a critical time.