Clifford B. Mellen

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clifford B. Mellen, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 16, 1918. When Private Mellen was in a shell hole with an officer and eight men, the enemy threw some hand grenades, one landing among the men. Private Mellen seized it and attempted to throw it out when it exploded. His action saved the lives of his comrades, but resulted in a severe injury to himself.