Henry D. Ross

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Henry D. Ross, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Souplet, France, October 18, 1918. After the advance of his company had been stopped by strong hostile machine-gun fire, Private Ross, with four companions, advanced far ahead of the front line to attack an enemy position located in a large farmhouse. By the accurate fire of his rifle and effective use of hand grenades, he succeeded in putting an enemy machine gun out of action and causing its crew to withdraw. This made it possible for him and his companions to skillfully maneuver in the broad daylight to cover all entrances to the house and force the surrender of the entire force of the enemy, numbering 36 men and 2 officers. During the exploit they killed two Germans who attempted to take cover in the cellar.