Mercer G. Johnston
Home Town: Baltimore, Maryland
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Dr. Mercer G. Johnston, Doctor, U.S. Civilian, for extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 27, 1918. After volunteering and going to the front line through heavy bombardment for the purpose of burying the dead, Dr. Johnston found the litter service of the 101st Infantry, badly disorganized on account of heavy casualties and intense shelling. He immediately took charge of the litter bearers, reorganized the service, took care of the slightly wounded himself, saw to the procuring and loading of ambulances, and, although badly gassed and suffering severely, refused to leave his post until all had been taken care of.
General Orders No. 23, W.D., 1919
