Fritzhof G. Langemak

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Fritzhof G. Langemak, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Exermont, France, October 4, 1918. In the absence of any commissioned officer Corporal Langemak assumed command of the platoon of which he was a member when it was in serious danger because of lack of leadership. With utter disregard for personal safety, subjected to intense machine-gun fire, he coolly reorganized the men about him, most of whom were replacements who had never been in action. Although lost and without maps he led his men in vigorous attacks against the enemy forces and well placed machine-gun nests, eventually reaching his objectives where he reestablished liaison with his flanks and continued the advance. By his fearlessness and aggressiveness he prevented the enemy from gaining advantage of a gap which was starting to open in our attacking line, and by his initiative aided the advance of the troops on his flanks.