Perry H. Aldrich

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Perry H. Aldrich, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Mihiel, France, October 29, 1918. Lieutenant Aldrich, observer, with First Lieutenant E. C. Landen, volunteered and went on an important mission for the corps commander without the usual protection. Forced to fly at an altitude of 1, 000 meters because of poor visibility, soon after crossing the lines they encountered an enemy Rumpler plane and forced it to the ground. On returning they attacked another Rumpler and drove it off. After completing their mission and seeing an enemy observation tower on Lake Lachaussee, they re-entered enemy territory and fired upon it. Immediately attacked by seven enemy planes (Fokker type), a combat followed in which Lieutenant Aldrich was mortally wounded.