Joseph Passafiume

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph Passafiume, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Argonne Forest, France, September 29 – 30, 1918. Private Passafiume was detailed as a member of a team of runners, four teams having been sent to the battalion companies with a message regarding the attack of September 30. On account of the extreme darkness, and the fact that the companies had changed positions, all the runners except Private Passafiume reported back, being unsuccessful in the mission. Private Passafiume continued on, however, reaching the company to which he had been sent, and thinking that the others may have been unsuccessful found all the other companies, obtaining a signed receipt of the message. He then found his way back and reported to his battalion commander.