Ben E. Turner

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ben E. Turner, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Fismette, France, August 27, 1918. When the enemy attack preceded by very heavy barrage, had broken through and forced a retirement over the Vesle, Lieutenant Turner, himself wounded and under enemy fire from front and flanks directed the retirement of his men, while he alone covered their withdrawal over the river with an automatic rifle, crossing after the last man was safely over.