John H. Shenkel
Home Town: Pittsburgh, PA
General Orders No. 126, W.D., 1919
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Shenkel, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Chateau- Thierry, France, July 1, 1918. Lieutenant Shenkel displayed marked bravery when, with a number of others, he volunteered to assist the French in retaking Hill 204. Finding himself with but seven men, completely surrounded by the enemy, he led his detachment in fighting their way out with rifle butts and bayonets, himself killing a German officer with his pistol.
