Edwin Pelkey

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edwin Pelkey, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cierges, France, August 2, 1918. Private Pelkey was a member of a detachment stringing telephone wire in advance of the front lines through the heaviest artillery fire. When connection was established at a point within 100 yards of the German line and before the American advance was begun, Private Pelkey volunteered to remain there until our troops had advanced far enough to establish the advance regimental post of command at that place. His devotion to duty under conditions of great danger assisted immeasurably in maintaining unity of action between the front lines and regimental post of command, and his utter indifference to his own safety made easier the capture of a strong enemy position.