Vinton Pawel

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Vinton Pawel, Supply Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 18 – 22, 1918. As supply sergeant of his company, Sergeant Pawel voluntarily and fearlessly led a platoon of his company in an attack on St. Amand Farm at the Soissons-Paris Road, spurring his men on to their objectives under intense machine- gun fire. His company officers having been killed, wounded, or called to higher units, he assumed command of his company, frequently exposing himself to heavy enemy fire during its reorganization and preparation for a renewal of the advance. On July 20 – 21 he again led his company in the assault, inspiring his men by his utter disregard of personal safety, maintaining constant liaison with his flanks and with his battalion commander, refusing repeatedly to be evacuated, although severely and painfully wounded by shrapnel, until relieved on July 22 by a commissioned officer.