John J. Read

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John J. Read, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Molleville Farm, north of Verdun, France, November 5, 1918. Sergeant Read led the advance of his platoon through heavy enemy fire in the attack against a strongly held enemy position. Although cut off from his company he continued to advance until mortally wounded. Prior to the performance of the above act he distinguished himself by volunteering to conduct and conducting ration details over routes exposed to heavy artillery fire.