Harmon C. Rorison

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harmon C. Rorison, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Beaumont, France, November 3, 1918. While on a bombing mission with five other pilots, Lieutenant Rorison’s patrol was attacked by 18 enemy planes (Fokker type). Three of his comrades were immediately shot down, but he continued in the fight for 30 minutes and destroyed two Fokkers, which were attacking the other two members of his patrol. With his plane badly damaged and himself wounded, he succeeded in shooting down another Fokker just before one of his guns was put out of action. By skillfully maneuvering he shook off the rest of the Fokkers and reached his lines, 15 miles, away, in safety.