George F. Strange

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George F. Strange, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Poncheaux, France, October 7, 1918. Private Strange and 20 other soldiers, the remnants of two platoons, were isolated in a railroad cut under heavy enemy fire, when 75 of the enemy started a counterattack on their position. Possessing the only automatic rifle in the group, Private Strange fearlessly opened fire on the enemy from an exposed position until his automatic rifle jammed and his left arm was paralyzed by a wound. He succeeded in clearing the jam, however; and immediately resumed firing, despite his left arm being disabled, driving off the enemy and breaking up the counterattack through his exceptional fortitude and determination. Shortly afterward, he was again wounded by a bursting shell.