William H. Saunders

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William H. Saunders, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Toul sector, France, May 25, 1918. The artillery of the 26th Division desiring its batteries to be adjusted upon objectives in front of the division, Captain Saunders volunteered to make the attempt, although the weather was most unfavorable to flying. After flying two hours amid heavy antiaircraft fire and having adjusted the fire of three batteries his plane was hit and disabled. Returning to his airdrome he secured another plane and returned to the enemy line to complete his mission. After another hour in the air he was again forced on account of motor trouble to return to the airdrome. Obtaining a third plane he again returned to the lines, the weather conditions forcing him to proceed for a considerable distance behind enemy lines and at low altitude. Flying thus for an hour his plane was hit by antiaircraft fire and badly damaged. With one control shot away, and his propeller likewise injured, he still continued to adjust, always at low altitude and under constant enemy fire, until his mission was successfully accomplished. The heroic conduct of Captain Saunders served as a splendid example of soldierly devotion to duty to the men of his squadron.