Robert L. Tavenner

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert L. Tavenner, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cierges, France, September 29, 1918; and near Olsene, Belgium, October 31, 1918. Without regard for his own safety, Captain Tavenner personally conducted a tank in an attack on a machine-gun nest. After several of the tanks had been put out of action and the others had withdrawn, he walked up and down the firing line under heavy machine- gun fire, cheering his men, despite severe losses, fought till all of their ammunition was exhausted. On October 31, he was severely wounded while making a personal reconnaissance of the enemy’s position.