William L. Knox

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William L. Knox, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Seicheprey, France, April 20, 1918. His platoon having been relieved from its position in the front lines, Sergeant Knox remained with the relieving platoon, which was without a commissioned officer, organized and maintained its position during a severe attack by enemy infantry, bombers, and machine-gun fire. Though his platoon was entirely surrounded and cut off from support, and he himself twice wounded by shrapnel and grenades, he led his men against the enemy, broke through their lines, and established contact with the units on his right. His coolness, leadership, and outstanding courage under intense enemy fire greatly inspired his men and spurred them on to great endeavors in the face of vastly superior numbers.