William D. Meyering

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William D. Meyering, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Riga, France, while commanding a platoon of infantry which was attacked by the enemy on the morning of April 6, 1918. First Lieutenant Meyering took effective measures before and during the attack to defeat the enemy and handled his men well, under fire, until he was seriously wounded. Forced to attend to his wound, he refused assistance and walked through the enemy’s barrage to a dressing station. He objected to being taken to the rear till he knew the outcome of the attack. His brave example inspired his men to drive off the enemy, who did not reach our trenches. He lost his right hand by amputation as the result of the wound.