Thomas Vander Veen

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas Vander Veen, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Nantillois, France, October 10 – 13, 1918. As company liaison agent, Private First Class Vander Veen maintained continual contact between his company commander and the battalion Post Commander, repeatedly exposing himself to artillery, machine-gun and sniper’s fire to deliver important messages. On one occasion it was necessary for him to pass through the German and our own barrages, but he accomplished this mission fearlessly, showing marked personal bravery.