Robert E. Powell

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert E. Powell, Supply Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismette, France, August 9, 1918. While regimental supply sergeant, Supply Company, 127th Infantry, Sergeant Powell voluntarily participated in the attack and displayed high courage and determination during the battle, assisting after the village had been captured in removing the seriously wounded across a narrow bridge swept by heavy shell and machine-gun fire. On the evening of August 9, he voluntarily entered the most dangerous parts of the company’s position and by his coolness and indifference to danger inspired the men of the command with new courage when they were sorely beset by the enemy, who had gained access to the village. Learning that an enemy patrol had entered a near-by building from the rear, he plunged into the building in complete darkness, dispatched four of the enemy, thus retaining possession of the building the loss of which would have placed the command in a precarious position.