Stephen Jona, Jr.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Stephen Jona, Jr., Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Marcheville, France, September 26, 1918. During a barrage lasting two hours, Corporal Jona placed his men in the best shelter available, remaining in observation himself, and refused to take cover. He organized a platoon of men who had become separated from their commands and led them forward under a heavy fire from artillery, machine guns, and snipers. Throughout the engagement he was a source of inspiration to his men.