Army Air Service L-Z

LAKE, HORACE A. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 90th Aero Squadron, 3d Observation Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: November 4 - 5, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Horace A. Lake, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bethlainville, France, November 4 - 5, 1918. Lieutenant Lake, observer, and First Lieutenant Bertrande C. Neidecker, pilot, volunteered for an important mission over the enemy's lines. Flying through fog and rain they penetrated 30 kilometers behind the enemy's lines and succeeded in surprising an important movement of enemy troops, descended to within 60 meters of the ground to harass the enemy troops trains and returned with information of the enemy which was of vital importance to the operations of the Allied Forces. On the following day they again flew over the enemy's lines and, although attacked by three patrols of hostile enemy aircraft and by antiaircraft and machine-gun fire, they accomplished their mission and returned with important information. General Orders No. No. 1, W.D., 1934 Birth: Washington, DC Home Town: Washington, DC

LAMBERT, JOHN H. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 91st Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 30, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Lambert, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Stenay, France, October 30, 1918. While on a photographic mission in the vicinity of Stenay, his work being seriously interfered with by the fire of a formation of enemy planes, Lieutenant Lambert temporarily discontinued his mission, attacked the formation and dispersed it, destroying one plane and seriously damaging another. He then returned to his objective, completed his mission, and returned with information of great military value. General Orders No. 13, W.D., 1919 Birth: Salem, NJ Home Town: Cambridge, MA

LANDIS, REED GRESHAM Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 40th Squadron, Royal Air Forces (Attached), Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 8, 12, 13, & 19, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Reed Gresham Landis, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action west of Douai and south of Vitry, August 8, 1918; west of Brieve, August 12, 1918; and over Lens, August 13, 1918. During a general engagement west of Douai and south of Vitry on August 8, 1918, Captain Landis attacked and destroyed two enemy planes and one balloon in the course of a single flight. During a general engagement west of Brieve on August 12, 1918, he singled out an enemy plane and shot it down. While on patrol over Lens on August 13, 1918, he engaged four enemy triplanes and one biplane in decisive combat, and, despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, he destroyed two of their planes and forced the others to withdraw. On August 19, 1918, while leading a patrol of five planes he encountered and unhesitatingly attacked eight enemy Fokker scouts, one of which he shot down. During the combat several other enemy planes joined the action from above and observing one of these attacking a member of his patrol, he climbed up under it, and firing at point-blank range shot it down. General Orders No. 8, W.D., 1934 Birth: 7/17/1896 - Ottawa, IL Home Town: Chicago, IL

LARNER, GORMAN DEFREEST (First Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 13, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gorman DeFreest Larner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Champeny, France, September 13, 1918. Lieutenant Larner attacked an enemy patrol of six machines (Fokker type), and fought against the great odds until he had destroyed one and forced the others to retire. General Orders No. No. 145, W.D., 1918 Birth: 7/5/1897 - Washington, DC Home Town: Washington, DC Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

LARNER, GORMAN DEFREEST (Second Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 4, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gorman DeFreest Larner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Montfaucon, France, October 4, 1918. While leading a patrol of four monoplace planes, Lieutenant Lamer led his patrol in an attack on an enemy formation of seven planes. By skillfully maneuvering he crushed one of the enemy machines and with the aid of his patrol forced the remainder of the enemy formation to withdraw. General Orders No. No. 145, W.D., 1918 Birth: 7/5/1897 - Washington, DC Home Town: Washington, DC Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

LAWSON, WALTER ROLLS Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 91st Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 30 & September 13, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter Rolls Lawson, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near St. Mihiel, France, July 30 and September 13, 1918. Captain Lawson showed rare courage on a reconnaissance far over the enemy lines when he continued on his mission after being seriously wounded by antiaircraft fire. On September 13, although he was still convalescing from his wound, he volunteered for a particularly dangerous mission requiring a flight of 75 kilometers within the enemy lines. Because of weather conditions he was forced to fly at a dangerously low altitude and was repeatedly fired on by antiaircraft and machine guns. He successfully accomplished his mission and returned with important information. General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919 Birth: , GA Home Town: Birmingham, AL

LEE, JOHN B. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 24th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: November 3, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John B. Lee, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Mezieres, France, November 3, 1918. Lieutenant Lee exhibited extreme courage in the course of a long and dangerous photographic and visual reconnaissance in the region of Mezieres with two other planes of the 24th Aero Squadron. Their formation was broken by the attack of ten enemy pursuit planes; five enemy planes attacked Lieutenant Lee and his pilot. With remarkable coolness Lieutenant Lee succeed ed in shooting down two of the planes. They then had a clear passage to their own lines, but turned back into Germany to assist a friendly plane with several hostile aircraft attacking it. They succeeded in shooting down one more of the enemy. Lieutenant Lee and pilot returned to our lines with information and photographs of great military value. General Orders No. 13, W.D., 1919 Birth: Newark, NJ Home Town: Newark, NJ

LINDSAY, ROBERT OPIE First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 139th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 27, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert Opie Lindsay, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bantheville, France, October 27, 1918. In company with two other planes, Lieutenant Lindsay attacked three enemy planes (Fokker type) at an altitude of 3,000 meters, and after a sharp fight brought down one of them. While engaged with the two remaining machines, eight more planes (Fokker type) came at him from straight ahead. He flew straight through their formation, gained an advantageous position, and brought down another plane before he withdrew from the combat. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: 12/25/1894 - Madison, NC Home Town: Madison, NC

LITTAUER, KENNETH P. Major (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 88th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 30, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Kenneth P. Littauer, Major (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Conflans, France, October 30, 1918. Major Littauer volunteered on a mission to protect a photographic plane for another squadron on September 14 and continued toward the objective at Conflans even after three other protecting planes had failed to start. In an encounter with five enemy pursuit planes he completely protected the photographic plane by skillful maneuvering, although his observer was wounded and his machine seriously damaged. On October 30, while on duty as chief of air service of the 3d Army Corps, Major Littauer volunteered and made an important reconnaissance of enemy machine-gun emplacements at a low altitude near Doulcon. General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919 Birth: Newark, NJ Home Town: Branford, CT

LLEWELLYN, FRANK A. Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 99th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 17, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank A. Llewellyn, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action east of St. Die, France, August 17, 1918. Captain Llewellyn, acting as pilot, and Lieutenant Roland Neel, acting as observer, carried on successful liaison with the infantry during the attack on Frapelle. They flew over the enemy lines at an altitude of only 400 meters, firing on and disconcerting the enemy, and thereby giving courage and confidence to the American forces. Despite heavy fire from 15 antiaircraft machine guns and several batteries of antiaircraft artillery, they performed their work efficiently. Their aeroplane was struck by a number of machine-gun bullets, one of which cut the rudder and elevator control wires and caused the rudder to jam. The broken control wire was held and operated by Lieutenant Neel, under direction of Captain Llewellyn. Running the machine together in this manner, they continued their liaison work until the plane began to become unmanageable, when, in spite of its damaged condition, they brought it back to their airdrome. General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918 Birth: Minneapolis, MN Home Town: Chicago, IL

 

*LOWRY, FRANCIS B. Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army Observer, 91st Aero Squadron (Attached), Coast Artillery Corps, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Francis B. Lowry, Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Crepion, France, September 26, 1918. On September 26, while on a very important photographic mission, Lieutenant Lowry, with Lieutenant Kelty, pilot, realized the importance of the mission and chose to continue their course through a harassing antiaircraft barrage. A shell made a direct hit on the plane, brought it down in fragments and instantly killed Lieutenant Lowry. General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919 Birth: Denver, CO Home Town: Denver, CO

 

 

*LUKE, FRANK, JR. (First Award) Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 12 - 15, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank Luke, Jr., Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Mihiel, France, September 12 to 15, 1918. Lieutenant Luke, by skill, determination, and bravery, and in the face of heavy enemy fire, successfully destroyed eight enemy observation balloons in four days. General Orders No. 34, W.D., 1919 Birth: 5/19/1897 - Phoenix, AZ Home Town: Phoenix, AZ Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

 

 

*LUKE, FRANK, JR. (Second Award) Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 18, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank Luke, Jr., Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Etain, France, September 18, 1918. Immediately after destroying two enemy observation balloons, Lieutenant Luke was attacked by a large formation of German planes, Fokker type. He turned to attack two, which were directly behind him, and shot them down. Sighting an enemy biplane, although his gasoline was nearly gone, he attacked and destroyed this machine also. General Orders No. 34, W.D., 1919 Birth: 5/19/1897 - Phoenix, AZ Home Town: Phoenix, AZ Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

MacARTHUR, JOHN KNOX Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: June 13, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Knox MacArthur, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Luneville, France, June 13, 1918. Outnumbered and handicapped by his presence far behind the German lines, Second Lieutenant MacArthur and three flying companions fought brilliantly a large group of enemy planes, bringing down or putting to flight all in the attacking party, while performing an important mission. General Orders No. No. 101, W.D., 1918 Birth: Columbia, PA Home Town: Buffalo, NY

MacBRAYNE, WINFRED C. First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army Observer, 2d Balloon Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Winfred C. MacBrayne, First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 26, 1918. While he was conducting an aerial reconnaissance and general surveillance from his balloon, Lieutenant MacBrayne was repeatedly attacked by hostile aeroplanes, and continued his mission despite the proximity of strong enemy air patrols against which he had no defense. When an enemy Fokker emerged from low-hanging clouds, firing at the balloon with incendiary bullets, Lieutenant MacBrayne remained in the basket until his companion, who was making his first ascension, had safely jumped. He leaped when the balloon was nearer the ground and his parachute opened as he crossed into the woods. Lieutenant MacBrayne insisted upon re- ascending immediately, thereby displaying conspicuous coolness and determination. General Orders No. 1, W.D., 1919 Birth: Lowell, MA Home Town: Lowell, MA

MANNING, JAMES F., JR. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 49th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 4, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James F. Manning, Jr., First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Doulcon, France, October 4, 1918. While leading a patrol of seven planes, Lieutenant Manning accepted combat with 17 German machines (type Fokker) at an altitude of 1,200 meters. Through his courageous leadership and skillful maneuver of his patrol, seven of the enemy planes were snot down. General Orders 7, W.D., 1919 Birth: Washington, DC Home Town: Purcellville, VA

MAUGHAN, RUSSELL L. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 138th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 27, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Russell L. Maughan, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Sommerance, France, October 27, 1918. Accompanied by two other planes, Lieutenant Maughan was patrolling our lines, when he saw slightly below him an enemy plane (Fokker type). When he started an attack upon it he was attacked from behind by four more of the enemy. By several well-directed shots he sent one of his opponents to the earth, and, although the forces of the enemy were again increased by seven planes, he so skillfully maneuvered that he was able to escape toward his lines. While returning he attacked and brought down an enemy plane which was diving on our trenches. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: Logan, UT Home Town: Logan, UT

*McCLENDON, JOEL H. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 88th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 11, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joel H. McClendon, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 11, 1918. Pilot John W. Jordan, second lieutenant, 7th Field Artillery, observer; Roger W. Hitchcock, second lieutenant, pilot; James S. D. Burns, deceased, second lieutenant, 165th Infantry, observer; Louis G. Bernheimer, first lieutenant, pilot; Charles W. Plummer, deceased, second lieutenant, 101st Field Artillery, observer; Philip R. Babcock, first lieutenant, pilot; and Joseph A. Palmer, second lieutenant, 10th Field Artillery, observer. All of these men were attached to the 88th Aero Squadron, Air Service. Under the protection of three pursuit planes, each carrying a pilot and an observer, Lieutenants Bernheimer and Jordan, in charge of a photo plane, carried out successfully a hazardous photographic mission over the enemy's lines to the River Aisne. The four American ships were attacked by 12 enemy battle planes. Lieutenant Bernheimer, by coolly and skillfully maneuvering his ship, and Lieutenant Jordan, by accurate operation of his machine gun, in spite of wounds in the shoulder and leg, aided materially in the victory which came to the American ships, and returned safely with 36 valuable photographs. The pursuit plane operated by lieutenants Hitchcock and Burns was disabled while these two officers were fighting effectively. Lieutenant Burns was mortally wounded and his body jammed the controls. After a headlong fall of 2,500 meters, Lieutenant Hitchcock succeeded in regaining control of this plane and piloted it back to his airdrome. Lieutenants McClendon and Plummer were shot down and killed after a vigorous combat with five of the enemy's planes. Lieutenants Babcock and Palmer, by gallant and skillful fighting, aided in driving off the German planes and were materially responsible for the successful execution of the photographic mission. General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919 Birth: Ferris, TX Home Town: Farmers Branch, TX

McDERMOTT, CLEVELAND W. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 18, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Cleveland W. McDermott, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bantheville, France, October 18, 1918. In starting on a patrol mission Lieutenant McDermott was delayed by motor trouble. Unable to overtake the other machines, he continued on alone. Sighting an enemy Fokker, he immediately gave chase, and despite its effort to escape, succeeded in shooting it down. Six Fokkers then suddenly attacked him, and though he was outnumbered and blinded by the sun, he shot down one of them and scattered the others. In the midst of this combat his motor stopped, and he was forced to glide into friendly territory. General Orders No. 1, W.D., 1919 Birth: Denver, CO Home Town: Syracuse, NY

McDEVITT, JAMES A. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 281st Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 15 & October 5 - 6, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James A. McDevitt, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near Mamey and Cuisy, France, September 15 and October 5 - 6, 1918. On September 15, while performing an important mission, Lieutenant McDevitt's balloon was attacked and riddled by an enemy plane firing incendiary bullets. He stuck to his post and gathered valuable information. On October 5 he was again attacked by several planes and the basket was set afire by incendiary bullets. While descending he was fired upon and his parachute was hit many times; he, nevertheless, insisted upon returning to the air. On October 6 he was attacked and his balloon was riddled with bullets. Again, on the same day, he was attacked by several enemy planes; he remained with his balloon until it came down in flames; he then resumed his post in a new balloon. General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919 Birth: Newport, KY Home Town: Cincinnati, OH

McDOUGALL, HARRY O. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 96th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 23, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harry O. McDougall, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, October 23, 1918. Lieutenant McDougall, with Second Lieutenant Elmer McKay, observer, while on a bombing mission, displayed exceptional courage by leaving a comparatively secure position in the center of the formation during a combat with five enemy planes and going to the protection of two other officers whose planes had been disabled and forced out of the formation. Lieutenant McDougall skillfully maneuvered his machine so as to enable Lieutenant McKay to shoot down one of the adversaries and fight off the others. General Orders No. 1, W.D., 1919 Birth: Malad City, ID Home Town: Pocatello, ID

McKAY, ELMORE K. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 96th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 23, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Elmore K. McKay, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Dun-Sur-Meuse, France, October 23, 1918. Lieutenant McKay, with First Lieutenant Harry O. McDougall, pilot, while on a bombing mission displayed exceptional courage by leaving a comparatively secure position in the center of the formation during a combat with five enemy planes and going to the protection of two other officers whose planes had been disabled and forced out of the formation. While his pilot skillfully maneuvered the machine, Lieutenant McKay shot down one of the adversaries and fought off the others, thereby saving the lives of the officers in the disabled American plane. General Orders No. 1, W.D., 1919 Birth: Washington, DC Home Town: Washington, DC

McKAY, JAMES R. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 49th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 4, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James R. McKay, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Doulcon, France, October 4, 1918. When a patrol of seven planes attacked a group of 17 enemy planes (Fokker type) Lieutenant McKay left the combat after his plane was crippled by enemy fire and remained above to protect from that direction. Without regard to his own danger he attacked alone five more enemy planes which dived into the combat and, pressing the attack, succeeded in breaking up their formation and shooting down one of the enemy planes. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: Grinnell, IA Home Town: Wheaton, IL

McMURRY, ORA R. (First Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 49th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 4, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ora R. McMurry, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Romagne, France, October 4, 1918. Lieutenant McMurry was a member of a patrol of seven machines which attacked 17 enemy Fokkers. After shooting down one of the enemy, this officer returned to the fight and shot down another. Unknown Birth: Lake Preston, SD Home Town: Evansville, WI Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

McMURRY, ORA R. (Second Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 49th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 30, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ora R. McMurry, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Tages and La Croix aux Bois, France, October 30, 1918. After becoming separated from his patrol because of motor trouble, this officer encountered and attacked five enemy planes (Fokker), and succeeded in shooting down one of them. Unknown Birth: Lake Preston, SD Home Town: Evansville, WI Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

MEISSNER, JAMES A. (First Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: May 2, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James A. Meissner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Toul sector in May 2, 1918. First Lieutenant Meissner attacked three enemy planes at an altitude of 4,800 meters over the Foret De La Rappe, France. After a short fight he brought down one of the machines in flames. During the combat the entering wedge and the covering of the upper wings of his plane were torn away and after the battle he was subjected to heavy fire from antiaircraft batteries, but by skillful operation and cool judgment he succeeded in making a landing within the American lines. General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918 Birth: 7/20/1896 - Londonderry, Nova Scotia, Canada Home Town: Brooklyn, NY Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

 

 

MEISSNER, JAMES A. (Second Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: May 30, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James A. Meissner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Jaulny, France, May 30, 1918. Lieutenant Meissner attacked two enemy planes at an altitude of 4,500 meters above Jaulny, and after a sharp engagement shot one down in flames and forced the other back into its own territory. General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918 Birth: 7/20/1896 - Londonderry, Nova Scotia, Canada Home Town: Brooklyn, NY Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

MELL, PATRICK H. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 213th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 28 & November 6, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Patrick H. Mell, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Bantheville, France, October 28, 1918. While voluntarily a member of a patrol of six airplanes, Lieutenant Mell attacked four enemy airplanes at an altitude of 2,500 meters. Nine additional enemy airplanes almost immediately joined in the fight. Despite the overwhelming number of enemy airplanes, Lieutenant Mell by great skill in maneuvering and with great bravery succeeded in bringing down out of control one of the enemy airplanes. On November 6 Lieutenant Mell with one other pilot attacked three enemy airplanes at an altitude of 3,000 meters 15 kilometers within the enemy lines, destroying one and combating another until within 50 meters of the ground, where they became separated in the fog. The outstanding bravery and superb devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Mell greatly inspired the members of his squadron. General Orders No. No. 14, W.D., 1923 Birth: Athens, GA Home Town: Augusta, GA

MICHENER, JOHN H. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 1st Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 4, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Michener, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Varennes, France, October 4, 1918. First Lieutenant Michener was assigned the mission of locating the front lines of our troops at a time when dense mist and low clouds compelled him to fly at an altitude of only 100 meters. His observer's signal rockets drew fire from, an advanced hostile machine-gun battery and Lieutenant Michener was wounded in the leg. Despite his wound, he continued the mission until the position of our troops was ascertained. He was then compelled to land on shell-torn ground behind the lines, the plane being completely wrecked. General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919 Birth: Chicago, IL Home Town: Erie, PA

MITCHELL, JOHN Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 95th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: May 27, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Mitchell, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Beaumont, France, May 27, 1918. Seeing three enemy planes flying east over Apremont at 2,500 meters, Captain Mitchell unhesitatingly attacked the three machines, which were in close formation, despite the fact that a fourth, hovering above, threatened to close in and join the enemy formation. He succeeded in shooting down the enemy machine, which proved to be a biplane returning from an important mission. General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919 Birth: Cincinnati, OH Home Town: Miami, FL

 

MITCHELL, WILLIAM "BILLY" Brigadier General (Signal Corps), U.S. Army Chief of Air Service, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: March 26, July, and September 12 - 16, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William "Billy" Mitchell, Brigadier General (Signal Corps), U.S. Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action at Noyon, France, March 26, 1918; near the Marne River, France, during July, 1918; and in the St. Mihiel salient, France, September 12 to 16, 1918. For displaying bravery far beyond that required by his position as Chief of Air Service, 1st Army, American Expeditionary Forces, setting a personal example to the United States aviation by piloting his airplane over the battle lines since the entry of the United States into the war, some instances being a flight in a monoplane over the battle of Noyon on March 26, 1918, and the back areas, seeing and reporting upon the action of both air and ground troops, which led to a change in our aviation's tactical methods; a flight in a monoplane over the bridges which the Germans had laid across the Marne during July 1918, which led to the first definite reports of the location of these bridges and the subsequent attack upon the German troops by our air forces; daily reconnaissances over the lines during the battle of St. Mihiel salient, September 12 to 16, securing valuable information of the enemy troops in the air and on the ground, which led to the excellent combined action by the allied air services and ground troops particularly this battle. General Orders No. No. 120, W.D., 1918 Birth: 12/28/1879 - Nice, France Home Town: Milwaukee, WI

 

MOORE, EDWARD RUSSELL First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 8th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 9, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward Russell Moore, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Thiaucourt, France, October 9, 1918. Lieutenant Moore, with First Lieutenant Gardner Philip Allen, observer, took advantage of a short period of fair weather during generally unfavorable atmospheric conditions to undertake a photographic mission behind the German lines. Accompanied by two protecting planes, they had just commenced their mission when they were attacked by eight enemy planes, which followed them throughout their course, firing at the photographic plane. Lieutenant Moore, pilot, with both firing wires cut by bullets, a landing wire shot away, his elevators riddled with bullets, and both wings punctured, continued on his prescribed course, although it made him an easy target. Lieutenant Allen was thus enabled in the midst of the attack to take pictures of the exact territory assigned, and he made no attempt to protect the plane with his machine guns. Displaying entire disregard of his personal danger and steadfast devotion to duty, the two officers successfully accomplished their mission. General Orders No. No. 145, W.D., 1918 Birth: Audrain County, MO Home Town: Columbia, MO

MORRIS, EDWARD M. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 104th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 30, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward M. Morris, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, October 30, 1918. Unable, to complete a photographic mission, owing to motor trouble, Lieutenant Morris, with his observer, made a reconnaissance behind the German lines. They dispersed a battalion of enemy troops, and although twice attacked by enemy patrols, drove them off and each case brought down one enemy plane. They remained in the air until their motor failed completely. General Orders No. 35, W.D., 1919 Birth: Martinette, WI Home Town: New York, NY

*MORSE, GUY E. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 135th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 12, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Guy E. Morse, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Vilcey-sur-Trey, France, September 12, 1918. Lieutenant Morse, with First Lieutenant Wilbur C. Sutter, pilot, fearlessly volunteered for the perilous mission of locating the enemy's advance unit in the rear of the Hindenburg line. Disregarding the hail of machine-gun fire and bursting of antiaircraft shells, they invaded the enemy's territory at low altitude and accomplished their mission, securing for our staff information of the greatest importance. These two gallant officers at once returned to the lines and undertook another reconnaissance mission, from which they failed to return. Lieutenant Morse's body was found and buried by an artillery unit. General Orders No. No. 133, W.D., 1918 Birth: , Canada Home Town: Kansas City, MO

MYERS, OSCAR B. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 137th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 28, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Oscar B. Myers, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cierges, France, September 28, 1918. Sent on a particularly hazardous mission, First Lieutenant Myers harassed and routed enemy troops. Lieutenant Myers then climbed higher to look for German planes. With two other officers he encountered nine Fokkers protecting a reconnaissance machine, flying in one of the most effective formations used by the enemy. Out-maneuvering the hostile planes, the three officers succeeded in routing them. After a quick turn Lieutenant Myers dived at the reconnaissance machine and crashed it to the ground in flames. General Orders No. 1, W.D., 1919 Birth: Mount Vernon, NY Home Town: Mount Vernon, NY

NEEL, ROLAND H. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 99th Aero Squadron (Attached), Coast Artillery Corps, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 17, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Roland H. Neel, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action east of St. Die, France, August 17, 1918. Lieutenant Llewellyn, acting as pilot; and Lieutenant Neel, acting as observer; carried on successfully liaison with the infantry during the attack on Frapelle. They flew over the enemy lines at an altitude of only 400 meters, firing on and disconcerting the enemy and thereby giving courage and confidence to the American forces. Despite heavy fire from 15 antiaircraft machine guns and several batteries of antiaircraft artillery, they performed their work efficiently. Their aeroplane was struck by a number of machine-gun bullets, one of which cut the rudder and elevator control wires, and caused the rudder to jam. The broken control wire was held and operated by Lieutenant Neel, under direction of Lieutenant Llewellyn. Running the machine together in this manner, they continued their liaison work until the plane began to become unmanageable; when, in spite of its damaged condition, they brought it back to their airdrome. General Orders 81, W.D., 1919 Birth: Macon, GA Home Town: Macon, GA

NEIBLING, HARLOU P. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 2d Balloon Squadron (Attached), A, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 2, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harlou P. Neibling, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action at Brouville, France, September 2, 1918, and near Fort Du Marre, France, September 26, 1918. While Lieutenant Neibling was making an aerial reconnaissance from a balloon, he was repeatedly attacked by enemy planes, two of which dived at the balloon and opened fire with incendiary bullets. With great coolness he fired at one of them with his pistol and took a picture of the plane with his camera. When the balloon took fire he was forced to jump, but he took two more pictures on the way down in spite of being fired upon. He re-ascended as soon as a new balloon could be inflated. On September 26 this officer was again attacked while conducting a reglage, but hanging from the basket with one arm he fired his pistol at one of the enemy planes and jumped only when his balloon burst into flames. He immediately continued his mission in another balloon. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: Huron, SD Home Town: Minneapolis, MN

NEIDECKER, BERTRANDE C. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 90th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: November 4 - 5, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Bertrande C. Neidecker, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bethlainville, France, November 4 - 5, 1918. Lieutenant Neidecker, pilot, and Second Lieutenant Horace A. Lake, observer, volunteered for an important mission over the enemy's lines. Flying through fog and rain they penetrated 30 kilometers behind the enemy's lines and succeeded in surprising an important movement of enemy troops, descended to within 60 meters of the ground to harass the enemy troops trains and returned with information of the enemy which was of vital importance to the operations of the Allied Forces. On the following day they again flew over the enemy's lines and, although attacked by three patrols of hostile enemy aircraft and by antiaircraft and machine-gun fire, they accomplished their mission and returned with important information. General Orders No. No. 1, W.D., 1934 Birth: New York, NY Home Town: New York, NY

NICHOLS, HAROLD O. Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army Observer, 7th Balloon Company, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 11 & October 1 & 9, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harold O. Nichols, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near Griscourt, France, August 11, 1918; and near Avocourt, France, October 1 and 9, 1918. On August 11, Sergeant Nicholls volunteered and ascended for the purpose of making observation. He continued with his work until the balloon was set on fire by attacking enemy planes. On October 1, he remained on duty until his balloon was fired by incendiary bullets, and again on October 9, while on duty with another observer, he remained with his balloon under attack until it was set on fire by enemy planes, and he then refused to jump until his companion had escaped. General Orders No. 26, W.D., 1919 Birth: Galveston, TX Home Town: El Paso, TX

NIXON, GEORGE R. First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army Observer, 3d Balloon Squadron (Attached), Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 28 & September 28, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George R. Nixon, First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near Domevre-en-Haye, France, August 28, 1918, and near Malancourt, France. September 28, 1918. On August 28 Lieutenant Nixon was locating active enemy batteries from his balloon and was attacked several times by enemy planes, but refused to descend until one had set fire to the balloon. On September 28, while he was on a reglage mission, five enemy planes fired at him. He remained in the basket until the balloon was a mass of flames, and one of the enemy aviators followed him to the ground firing at him. Despite his narrow escape, he immediately re-ascended. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: Dayton, OH Home Town: Indianapolis, IN

NORRIS, SIGBERT A. G. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 11th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Sigbert A. G. Norris, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, September 26, 1918. Deeming it impossible to catch their own formation, Lieutenant Norris, with Lieutenant William Wiring, pilot, attached themselves to a formation from the 20th Squadron and engaged in a 35-minute fight with 30 enemy aircraft. Five of the 20th Squadron were lost and the observer of one of the remaining planes seriously wounded. The wounded man had fallen in a position which had made the control of the machine difficult. Lieutenant Norris immediately motioned for his pilot to take a position between the enemy formation and the crippled companion, in order to protect it and continued to fight off the enemy planes until our lines were crossed. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: , England Home Town: New York, NY

*NORTON, FRED W. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 2, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Fred W. Norton, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Toul sector, France, on July 2, 1918. Lieutenant Norton, as flight commander, led a patrol of eight machines, the first large American formation to encounter a large German patrol. His command gave battle to nine enemy battle planes driven by some of the leading aces of the German Army. Although both of his guns jammed at the beginning of the fight and were therefore useless, he stayed with the formation, skillfully maneuvering his machine to the best advantage. He was attacked by enemy planes at four different times, but skillfully avoided them or dived at them. His continued presence was a great moral help to his comrades, who destroyed two of the enemy planes. On July 23, 1918, Lieutenant Norton died of wounds received in action July 20, 1918. General Orders No. No. 123, W.D., 1918 Birth: Marblehead, OH Home Town: Columbus, OH

NOYES, STEPHEN H. Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 12th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 15, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Stephen H. Noyes, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Chatel-Chehery, France, October 15, 1918. Captain Noyes volunteered under the most adverse weather conditions to stake the advance lines of the 82d Division. Disregarding the fact that darkness would set in before he and his observer could complete their mission, and at the extremely low altitude of 150 feet, he proceeded amid heavy antiaircraft and ground machine-gun fire until the necessary information was secured. On the return, due to darkness, he was forced to land on a shell-torn field and proceeded on foot to headquarters with valuable information. General Orders No. No. 143, W.D., 1918 Birth: Newport, RI Home Town: Newport, RI

*NUTT, ALAN First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alan Nutt, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Forges, France, September 26, 1918. While on a patrol Lieutenant Nutt encountered and attacked unhesitatingly eight Fokker planes. After a few minutes of severe fighting, during which he displayed indomitable courage and determination, this officer shot down one of the enemy planes. Totally surrounded, outnumbered, and without a thought of escape, he continued the attack until he was shot down in flames near Drillancourt. General Orders No. No. 140, W.D., 1918 Birth: Cliffside, NJ Home Town: Cliffside, NJ

*O'DONNELL, PAUL J. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 96th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Paul J. O'Donnell, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, September 26, 1918. Second Lieutenant O'Donnell's formation was attacked while flying to bomb Dun-sur-Meuse by seven enemy planes. With the first spurt of enemy fire he was fatally wounded. With, his last strength he opened a deliberate and destructive fire on one of the enemy planes, driving it down out of control. He died before his antagonist struck the ground. General Orders No. No. 123, W.D., 1918 Birth: Philadelphia, PA Home Town: Wilmington, DE

 

O'NEILL, RALPH AMBROSE (First Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 2, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ralph Ambrose O'Neill, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, July 2, 1918. Lieutenant O'Neill and four other pilots attacked 12 enemy battle planes. In a violent battle within the enemy's lines they brought down three German planes, one of which was credited to Lieutenant O'Neill. General Orders No. 116, W.D., 1919 Birth: 12/7/1898 - San Francisco, CA Home Town: Bethlehem, PA Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross w/2 OLC (WWI)

 

 

O'NEILL, RALPH AMBROSE (Second Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 5, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ralph Ambrose O'Neill, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Chateau-Thierry, France: On July 5, 1918, First Lieutenant O'Neill led three other pilots in battle against eight German pursuit planes near Chateau-Thierry. He attacked the leader, opening fire at about 150 yards, and closing up to 30 yards range. After a quick and decisive fight the enemy aircraft fell in flames. He then turned on three other machines that were attacking him from the rear and brought one of them down. The other five enemy planes were driven away. General Orders No. 116, W.D., 1919 Birth: 12/7/1898 - San Francisco, CA Home Town: Bethlehem, PA Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross w/2 OLC (WWI)

 

 

O'NEILL, RALPH AMBROSE (Third Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 24, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ralph Ambrose O'Neill, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fresnes, France, July 24, 1918: Lieutenant O'Neill, with four other pilots, engaged 12 enemy planes discovered hiding in the sun. Leading the way to an advantageous position by a series of bold and skillful maneuvers. Lieutenant O'Neill shot down the leader of the hostile formation. The other German planes then closed in on him, but he climbed to a position of vantage above them and returned to the fight and drove down another plane. In this encounter he not only defeated his opponents in spite of overwhelming odds against him, but also enabled the reconnaissance plane to carry on its work unmolested. General Orders No. 116, W.D., 1919 Birth: 12/7/1898 - San Francisco, CA Home Town: Bethlehem, PA Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

 

*ORR, EDWARD First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 12th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 28, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward Orr, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Toul sector, France, August 28, 1918. Lieutenant Orr, flying with Lieutenant Phil A. Henderson, infantry, observer, on an unprotected reconnaissance mission, encountered a patrol of eight enemy pursuit planes near the American balloon line. The patrol was sighted just as one of them dived on the balloon with the intention of destroying it. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Orr attacked this plane and followed it to within 50 meters, firing his single front gun against the double guns with which the German plane was equipped. In the meantime Lieutenant Henderson engaged the other eight planes, which attacked from the rear. After a violent combat, all of the enemy planes were driven off. On September 14, 1918, Lieutenant Orr was accidentally killed. General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919 Birth: Chicago, IL Home Town: Chicago, IL

PAGE, RICHARD C. M. Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 88th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 9, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard C. M. Page, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 9, 1918. with John I. Rancourt, first lieutenant, observer, 88th Aero Squadron, 103d Field Artillery. These officers were detailed to fly without escort on a visual reconnaissance over the enemy's lines. They were attacked by six enemy battle planes 1,800 meters over Fismes. The Americans unhesitatingly fought this superior number of the enemy. Lieutenant Rancourt was three times seriously wounded in the legs above the knees; yet he continued to operate his machine-gun and shot down one of the enemy planes. In spite of the fact that his elevator controls on one side had been shot away, Captain Page skillfully maneuvered the plane throughout the combat and piloted it safely back to his airdrome. General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918 Birth: Philadelphia, PA Home Town: Fort Myers, FL

PALMER, JOSEPH A. Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army Observer, 88th Aero Squadron (Attached), 15th Field Artillery, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 11, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph A. Palmer, Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 11, 1918. John W. Jordan, second lieutenant, 7th Field Artillery, observer; Roger W. Hitchcock, second lieutenant, pilot; James S. D. Burns, deceased, second lieutenant, 165th Infantry, observer; Joel H. McClendon, deceased, first lieutenant, pilot; Charles W. Plummer, deceased, second lieutenant, 101st Field Artillery, observer; Philip R. Babcock, first lieutenant, pilot; and Louis G. Bernheimer, first lieutenant, pilot. All of these men were attached to the 88th Aero Squadron, Air Service. Under the protection of three pursuit planes, each carrying a pilot and an observer, Lieutenants Bernheimer and Jordan, in charge of a photo plane, carried out successfully a hazardous photographic mission over the enemy's lines to the River Aisne. The four American ships were attacked by 12 enemy battle planes. Lieutenant Bernheimer, by coolly and skillfully maneuvering his ship, and Lieutenant Jordan, by accurate operation of his machine-gun, in spite of wounds in the shoulder and leg, aided materially in the victory which came to the American ships, and returned safely with 36 valuable photographs. The pursuit plane operated by Lieutenants Hitchcock and Burns was disabled while these two officers were fighting effectively. Lieutenant Burns was mortally wounded and his body jammed the controls. After a headlong fall of 2,500 meters, Lieutenant Hitchcock succeeded in regaining control of his plane and piloted it back to his airdrome. Lieutenants McClendon and Plummer were shot down and killed after a vigorous combat with five of the enemy's planes. Lieutenants Babcock and Palmer, by gallant and skillful fighting, aided in driving off the German planes and were materially responsible for the successful execution of the photographic mission. General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919 Birth: Zanesville, OH Home Town: Zanesville, OH

PALMER, WILLIAM W. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 3, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William W. Palmer, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Doulcon, France, October 3, 1918. First Lieutenant Palmer encountered three enemy planes (Fokker type). Despite their numerical superiority, he attacked and in a decisive combat sent one down in flames and forced the other to retire. General Orders No. No. 143, W.D., 1918 Birth: Warremnton, NC Home Town: Bennettsville, SC

PARADISE, ROBERT C. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 12th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert C. Paradise, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the vicinity of Boureuilles, France, September 26, 1918. As pilot, 12th Squadron, Lieutenant Paradise was assigned the duty of locating the American front lines during the first two hours of the Argonne offensive. Unable to locate the line at the usual altitude maintained at such a time, he flew down to the dangerous altitude of 50 meters, secured the important information sought and discovered our lines held up by a strongly held nest of enemy machine guns. Noting the exact location of the nest upon his map he flew back to division headquarters and reported the exact location of our liens, as well as that of the enemy machine-gun nest. With his plane riddled by enemy bullets, one control shot away, he returned to the lines, discovered the enemy nests had not been destroyed and that they were inflicting heavy casualties upon our troops. In the face of concentrated enemy fire and attacked by four enemy planes, he went down, his plane barely skimming the tree tops, and deliberately fired over 400 rounds into the enemy nests, thus causing the enemy gunners to abandon their guns and positions and enabling the troops of his division to resume their advance. Again gaining altitude he discovered and destroyed by his fire an enemy signal station, signaling unmolested, 2 kilometers north of the lines. This act was performed at an altitude of 50 meters amid a storm of protection fire from enemy antiaircraft guns. General Orders No. No. 15, W.D., 1923 Birth: New Orleans, LA Home Town: , England

*PATTERSON, ALFRED B., JR. (First Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 93d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 29, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alfred B. Patterson, Jr., First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Moiry, France, September 29, 1918. While on a patrol with two other machines, First Lieutenant Patterson attacked an enemy formation of seven planes (Fokker type) that were protecting a bi-place plane. They destroyed the bi-place and four of the Fokkers, forcing the remaining three to retire. General Orders No. No. 133, W.D., 1918 Birth: Pittsburgh, PA Home Town: Wilkinsburg, PA Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

*PATTERSON, ALFRED B., JR. (Second Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 93d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 23, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alfred B. Patterson, Jr., First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Moirey, France, October 23, 1918. Lieutenant Patterson led a formation for the purpose of protecting our bombing planes, the accompanying planes being obliged to return, due to engine trouble. Despite this fact, Lieutenant Patterson proceeded on the mission alone. He sighted an enemy patrol of nine machines (Fokker type) and attacked them, driving one down. General Orders No. No. 133, W.D., 1918 Birth: Pittsburgh, PA Home Town: Wilkinsburg, PA Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

PAYNE, KARL C. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 20th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 16, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Karl C. Payne, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Longuyon, France, September 16, 1918. Starting on a very important daylight bombing mission with five other planes, as observer, First Lieutenant Payne went on alone when the other five planes were forced to turn back. On crossing the German line, he was attacked by three enemy planes. Using his guns to keep the enemy at bay, he went on, reached his objective, and dropped his bombs on the railroad junction, cutting the line. On the way back four more planes joined in the attack, but, keeping them at bay with his guns, he reached the allied lines. General Orders No. No. 123, W.D., 1918 Birth: Cambridge, MA Home Town: Belmont, MA

PEGUES, JOSIAH J. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 95th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: November 5, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Josiah J. Pegues, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, November 5, 1918. On account of heavy clouds and mist, Lieutenant Pegues became detached from his formation. While endeavoring to find it, he came upon eight hostile planes which were maneuvering to attack four of our planes. With great courage and skill he passed through the formation and attacked its leader, dispersed the formation, preventing further attack. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: Quincy, IL Home Town: Chicago, IL

PENDELL, ELMER First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army Observer, 168th Aero Squadron (Attached), 120th Infantry Regiment, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: November 4, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Elmer Pendell, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Rembercourt and Charey, France, November 4, 1918. As observer in a DH-4 plane, Lieutenant Pendell flew an infantry contact machine over the line of the 7th Division. Because of exceedingly adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant Pendell disregarded the danger of fire from the ground and crossed the lines at 1,000 feet altitude. While thus flying he was wounded in the shoulder by an explosive bullet fired from the ground. Disregarding his wound, he came down to an altitude as low as 500 feet. After securing the desired information he wrote out his message with great effort and dropped it to the division. General Orders No. 1, W.D., 1919 Birth: Waverly, NY Home Town: Waverly, NY

 

PETERSON, DAVID MCKELVEY (First Award) Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: May 15, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to David McKelvey Peterson, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Thiaucourt, France, on May 15, 1918. While on a patrol alone Captain Peterson encountered two enemy planes at an altitude of 52 meters. He promptly attacked, despite the odds, and shot down one of the enemy planes in flames. While thus engaged he was attacked from above by the second enemy plane, but by skillful maneuvering he succeeded in shooting it down also. General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918 Birth: 7/2/1894 - Honesdale, PA Home Town: Honesdale, PA Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

 

 

PETERSON, DAVID MCKELVEY (Second Award) Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: May 3, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to David McKelvey Peterson, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Luneville, France, on May 3, 1918. Leading a patrol of three, Captain Peterson encountered five enemy planes at an altitude of 3,500 meters and immediately gave battle. Notwithstanding the fact that he was attacked from all sides, this officer, by skillful maneuvering, succeeded in shooting down one of the enemy's planes and dispersing the remaining four. General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918 Birth: 7/2/1894 - Honesdale, PA Home Town: Honesdale, PA Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

 

*PETREE, HARRIS E. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 139th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harris E. Petree, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Marville, France, September 26, 1918. After having become separated from his patrol, Lieutenant Petree encountered seven enemy planes. He alone attacked this enemy group and continued in combat against these great odds for over one hour, when he was killed. General Orders No. No. 10, W.D., 1920 Birth: Lincoln, KS Home Town: Washington, DC

PHELPS, GLEN First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 5th Balloon Company, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 15, August 7, & October 27 - 30, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Glen Phelps, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Villers-sur-Marne, France, July 15 and August 7, 1918, and Chatel-Chehery, France, October 27 - 30, 1918. While regulating artillery fire from his balloon Lieutenant Phelps, with another observer, was attacked by three enemy planes and forced to jump after his balloon had been set on fire. On four other occasions his balloon was sent down in flames, after being attacked by superior numbers of the enemy, but on each occasion he resumed his work just as soon as another balloon could be obtained. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: Lutesville, MO Home Town: St. Louis, MO

PHILLIPS, GEORGE R. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 50th Aero Squadron, 50th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 23, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George R. Phillips, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Beffu et la Morthomme, France, October 23, 1918. Lieutenant Phillips, pilot, accompanied by Lieutenant Mitchell H. Brown, observer, while on a reconnaissance for the 78th Division, attacked an enemy balloon and forced it to descend, and was in turn attacked by three enemy planes (Fokker type). The incendiary bullets from the enemy's machines set the signal rockets in the observer's cockpit afire. Disregarding the possibility of going down in names, Lieutenant Phillips maneuvered his plane so that his observer was able to fire on and destroy one enemy plane and drive the others away. He then handed his fire extinguisher to Lieutenant Brown, who extinguished the flames. They completed their mission and secured valuable information. General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919 Birth: Burnham, PA Home Town: Lewiston, PA

*PLUMMER, CHARLES W. Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army Observer, 88th Aero Squadron (Attached), 101st Field Artillery Regiment, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 11, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles W. Plummer, Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 11, 1918. John W. Jordan, second Lieutenant, 7th Field Artillery, observer; Roger W. Hitchcock, second lieutenant, pilot; James S. D. Burns, deceased, second lieutenant, 165th Infantry, observer; Joel H. McClendon, deceased, first lieutenant, pilot; Louis G. Bernheimer, first lieutenant, pilot; Philip R. Babcock, first Lieutenant, pilot; and Joseph A. Palmer, second lieutenant, 10th Field Artillery, observer. All of these men were attached to the 88th Aero Squadron, Air Service. Under the protection of three pursuit planes, each carrying a pilot and an observer, Lieutenants Bernheimer and Jordan, in charge of a photo plane, carried out successfully a hazardous photographic mission over the enemy's lines to the River Aisne. The four American ships were attacked by 12 enemy battle planes. Lieutenant Bernheimer, by coolly and skillfully maneuvering his ship, and Lieutenant Jordan, by accurate operation of his machine-gun, in spite of wounds in the shoulder and leg, aided materially in the victory which came to the American ships, and returned safely with 36 valuable photographs. The pursuit plane operated by Lieutenants Hitchcock and Burns was disabled while these two officers were fighting effectively. Lieutenant Burns was mortally wounded and his body jammed the controls. After a headlong fall of 2,500 meters, Lieutenant Hitchcock succeeded in regaining control of this plane and piloted it back to his airdrome. Lieutenants McClendon and Plummer were shot down and killed after a vigorous combat with five of the enemy's planes. Lieutenants Babcock and Palmer, by gallant and skillful fighting, aided in driving off the German planes and were materially responsible for the successful execution of the photographic mission. General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919 Birth: New Bedford, MA Home Town: South Dartmouth, MA

PLUSH, LEWIS C. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 49th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 4, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Lewis C. Plush, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Romagne, France, October 4, 1918. Lieutenant Plush was a member of a patrol of seven machines which attacked 17 enemy Fokkers. After shooting down one of the enemy, this officer returned to the fight and shot down another. General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919 Birth: Sumner, MO Home Town: Pomona, CA

POLLEY, BRITTON First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army Observer, 99th Aero Squadron (Attached), Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 9, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Britton Polley, First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Romagne, France, October 9, 1918. Lieutenant Polley was assigned to a mission to find line troops of the division to which his squadron was attached. Weather conditions made flying almost impossible, a second plane, assigned to the mission returning on that account. Flying at an altitude of 25 meters over enemy lines, he encountered and defeated three enemy patrols, gathering and delivering to his division headquarters most valuable information. General Orders No. 35, W.D., 1919 Birth: Circleville, NY Home Town: New York, NY

 

PONDER, WILLIAM THOMAS First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 23, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Thomas Ponder, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fontaines, France, October 23, 1918. Having been separated from, his patrol, Lieutenant Ponder observed and went to the assistance of an allied plane which was being attacked by 30 of the enemy. Lieutenant Ponder destroyed one enemy plane .and so demoralized the remaining that both he and his comrade were able to return to their lines. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: 3/26/1893 - Llano, TX Home Town: Mangum, OK

 

 

PORTER, CHARLES PULLMAN (First Award) Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 16, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles Pullman Porter, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Epieds, France, July 16, 1918. While on patrol Second Lieutenant Porter observed two enemy planes (Fokker type) about 1,000 meters above him. He immediately maneuvered to obtain height and a position for attack. The enemy turned and Lieutenant Porter gave chase and attacked from below, destroying one and forcing the other to retire. General Orders No. No. 145, W.D., 1918 Birth: Brooklyn, NY Home Town: New Rochelle, NY Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

 

PORTER, CHARLES PULLMAN (Second Award) Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 24, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles Pullman Porter, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Foret-de-Fere, France, July 24, 1918. While leading a patrol he attacked an enemy formation of 12 planes (Fokker type). He engaged one enemy and sent it down out of control. One of his guns jammed and while he was repairing the gun two of the enemy planes got behind him. Unable to repair the gun and only to fire a single shot, he turned to attack, destroying a second plane, and remained in the fight until the enemy retired. General Orders No. No. 145, W.D., 1918 Birth: Brooklyn, NY Home Town: New Rochelle, NY Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

PORTER, EARL W. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 7th Aviation Instruction Center, French Army (Attached), Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 9, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Earl W. Porter, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Lassigny, France, August 9, 1918. Second Lieutenant Porter, with First Lieutenant Charles Raymond Blake, pilot, while on a reconnaissance expedition at a low altitude and beyond the enemy lines, was attacked by five German battle planes. Although wounded at the beginning of the combat, he shot down one of the enemy machines and by cool and courageous operation of his gun, while his pilot skillfully maneuvered the plane, fought off the others and made possible a safe return to friendly territory. General Orders No. No. 124, W.D., 1918 Birth: Atlantic, IA Home Town: Atlantic, IA

 

PORTER, KENNETH LEE Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 2, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Kenneth Lee Porter, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, July 2, 1918. Lieutenant Porter, with four other pilots, attacked 12 enemy aircraft (type Pfalz), flying in two groups well within the enemy lines. As soon as the enemy planes were sighted, Lieutenant Porter maneuvered to get between them and the sun and with great difficulty gained the advantage. While three of the other American officers dived on the lower formation Lieutenant Porter and Second Lieutenant John H. Stevens engaged the upper formation in a bold and brilliant combat, two planes of which they crashed to the earth. General Orders No. 1, W.D., 1919 Birth: 12/7/1896 - Dowagiac, MI Home Town: Dowagiac, MI

 

POTTER, WILLIAM CLARKSON First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 20th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Clarkson Potter, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, September 26, 1918. A formation of eight Liberty bombing planes, while on a daylight bombing mission on Dun-sur-Meuse, was attacked by a force of enemy planes three times its number. Lieutenant Potter saw that the observer's guns of the leading machine were inactive, while its pilot exerted great effort to control his machine. Under conditions demanding greatest courage and determination Lieutenant Potter flew in close to the leader so as to protect him from the rear. This position he held under ever-increasing enemy attack, and in face of the fact that his leader continued on into Germany. The conditions became more desperate, still Lieutenant Potter hung on, until his leader was finally able to make a turn about to the allied lines. On landing it was found that the observer of the leading machine had been killed and had fallen and jammed the controls, making a turn impossible. Lieutenant Potter, by his courage and disregard of danger, saved the life of his leader and brought his machine safely back to our lines. General Orders No. No. 107, W.D., 1918 Birth: , France Home Town: Riverdale-on-Hudson, NY

PRESTON, GLEN A. (First Award) Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army Observer, 99th Aero Squadron (Attached), Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 5, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Glen A. Preston, Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cunel, France, October 5, 1918. While on a photographic mission Lieutenant Preston and his pilot were attacked by seven enemy planes (type Fokker) and driven back to our own lines. They almost immediately returned to the same locality without the protection of battle planes and continued to take photographs until attacked by five machines (Pfalz type). They opened fire on this formation and brought down two of them and drove the others away and then returned with photographs of great importance General Orders 64, W.D., 1919 Birth: Ontario, IN Home Town: Howe, IN Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross w/2 OLC (WWI)

PRESTON, GLEN A. (Second Award) Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army Observer, 99th Aero Squadron (Attached), Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 29, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Glen A. Preston, Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Andevanne, France, October 29, 1918. Becoming separated from his protecting planes while on a photographic mission, Lieutenant Preston continued on alone, and, although he was attacked by seven enemy planes, type Fokker, he drove them off and secured numerous photographs. General Orders 64, W.D., 1919 Birth: Ontario, IN Home Town: Howe, IN Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross w/2 OLC (WWI)

PRESTON, GLEN A. (Third Award) Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army Observer, 99th Aero Squadron (Attached), Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 30, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Glen A. Preston, Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Remonville, France, October 30, 1918. Lieutenant Preston successfully accomplished his mission in spite of encounters with four separate enemy formations, one of 38 machines, another of six, type Pfalz, another of seven, type Fokker, and a formation of biplane planes. He shot down one of the enemy and returned with valuable information. General Orders 64, W.D., 1919 Birth: Ontario, IN Home Town: Howe, IN Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

 

*PUTNAM, DAVID E. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 139th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 12, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to David E. Putnam, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Lachaussee, France, September 12, 1918. After destroying one of the eight German planes which had attacked him, Lieutenant Putnam was turning to our lines, when he saw seven Fokkers attack an allied biplane. He attacked the Germans and saved the biplane, but was himself driven down, shot through the heart. General Orders 71, W.D., 1919 Birth: 12/10/1898 - Jamaica Plains, MA Home Town: Boston, MA

 

PYNE, PERCY RIVINGTON First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 23, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Percy Rivington Pyne, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, October 23, 1918. While protecting three planes on a photographic mission, Lieutenant Pyne attacked and drove off five enemy machines (type Fokker). Later another German formation of seven (type Fokker) was encountered, but despite the odds Lieutenant Pyne swung up into the midst of the enemy and scattered them, diving on one of the Fokkers and sending it crashing to the ground. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: Tuxedo Park, NY Home Town: New York, NY

QUINN, JOHN J. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 139th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 23, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John J. Quinn, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bantheville, France, October 23, 1918. While patrolling the lines, Lieutenant Quinn, with one other pilot, sighted and attacked four enemy machines (Fokker type). Several additional enemy planes joined the first four, and, notwithstanding his great odds, he sent one machine crashing to the earth. Motor trouble forced him to drive straight through the enemy formation, and, although followed and his machine badly damaged, he was able to outmaneuver and escape from his adversaries. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: Baltimore, MD Home Town: Annapolis, MD

RAIBLE, JOSEPH C., JR. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 5, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph C. Raible, Jr., First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, July 5, 1918. Lieutenant Raible and three other pilots, at an altitude of 4,700 meters, attacked an enemy formation of eight battle planes flying at an altitude of 5,000 meters. The German machines dived on them and Lieutenant Raible engaged two in combat. In a hard fight, lasting five minutes and finishing at an altitude of 3,000 meters, he shot down one of the attacking party and drove off the other. General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918 Birth: Hannibal, MO Home Town: Hannibal, MO

 

RALSTON, ORVILLE ALFRED First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 148th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Orville Alfred Ralston, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action over Bourion Wood, September 26, 1918. Having engine trouble, Lieutenant Ralston signaled his flight commander, left his formation, and started for the lines. Shortly afterwards his engine picked up and he decided to rejoin his formation. He found three of them engaged with seven Fokker biplanes over Bourion Wood. Seeing that one of our machines was hard pressed and in distress, Lieutenant Ralston instantly went to its assistance and drove one Fokker down into the clouds below. He followed directly behind the enemy machine and, as they came out of the clouds at a height of 3,000 feet, opened fire again on this Fokker at 15 yards range. The enemy machine made one complete spiral and crashed northeast of Bourion Wood. Four more Fokkers now attacked Lieutenant Ralston, but he managed to get back in the clouds and return safely to our lines, as did the rest of his flight. General Orders No. No. 38, W.D., 1921 Birth: 11/19/1897 - Weeping Water, NE Home Town: Avoca, NE

 

RANCOURT, JOHN I. First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army Observer, 88th Aero Squadron (Attached), 103 Field Artillery Regiment, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 9, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John I. Rancourt, First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 9, 1918. First Lieutenant Rancourt and Richard C. M. Page, first lieutenant, pilot, were detailed to fly without escort on a visual reconnaissance over the enemy's lines. They were attacked by six enemy battle planes 1800 meters over Fismes. The Americans unhesitatingly fought this superior number of the enemy. Lieutenant Rancourt was three times seriously wounded in the legs above the knees, yet he continued to operate his machine-gun and shot down one of the enemy planes. In spite of the fact that his elevator controls on one side had been shot away, Lieutenant Page skillfully maneuvered the plane throughout the combat and piloted it safely back to his airdrome. General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918 Birth: Port Henry, NY Home Town: Providence, RI

RATH, HOWARD G. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 96th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 13, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Howard G. Rath, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action between Chambley and Xammes, France, September 13, 1918. While acting as leading observer of a flight of three planes, he was attacked by 15 enemy planes. In spite of the fact that his formation was surrounded by an enemy five times as large, he carried out successfully his mission and bombed his objective. In the return running fight he and his pilot continued the unequal fight and succeeded in returning to their airdrome with valuable information. General Orders No. No. 123, W.D., 1918 Birth: Ackley, IA Home Town: Los Angeles, CA

RAYMOND, ROBERT FULTON First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: June 24, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert Fulton Raymond, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, June 24, 1918. First Lieutenant Raymond piloted one machine in a formation of three which was escorting three reconnaissance planes over enemy territory. On account of motor trouble, he was unable to keep up with his companions, and while thus detached was attacked by an enemy machine. In spite of the condition of his engine and his presence far within the German lines, he vigorously attacked the German plane and destroyed it, after which he succeeded in rejoining his patrol. General Orders No. 121, W.D., 1919 Birth: New Bedford, MA Home Town: Newton Center, MA

REEVES, DACHE M. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 9th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 9 & 23, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Dache M. Reeves, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action north of Avocourt (Meuse), France, October 9, 1918. While performing an important aerial mission in his balloon, Lieutenant Reeves was attacked by enemy airplanes. He hung from his basket under fire from enemy machine guns until the balloon burst into flames, when he jumped. He re-ascended as soon as another balloon could be inflated, although the air was strongly patrolled by the enemy. On October 23, near Gesnes (Meuse), he was in the basket with another observer when a circus of fifteen enemy airplanes made an attack from above. He remained in the basket until forced to jump. This officer showed extraordinary heroism be re-ascending as soon as another balloon could be made ready. Two hours later, while engaged in locating enemy batteries from his balloon, he was again attacked and the balloon burst into flames, forcing him to jump once more. In spite of these experiences this officer continued his mission in another balloon. General Orders No. No. 14, W.D., 1923 Birth: Bloomingdale, GA Home Town: Atlanta, GA

REYNOLDS, CLEARTON H. Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 104th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 9, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clearton H. Reynolds, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Romagne, France, October 9, 1918. Although weather conditions made flying exceedingly dangerous, Captain Reynolds, with his observer, started on a mission to determine the position of the front-line troops of the division to which his squadron was attached. Flying at an altitude of 20 meters, they encountered and defeated three enemy patrols, gathered and delivered to division headquarters very valuable information. General Orders No. 35, W.D., 1919 Birth: Provincetown, MA Home Town: Garden City, Long Island, NY

REYNOLDS, JOHN N. (First Award) Major (Air Service), U.S. Army Commanding Officer, 1st Army Observation Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 10, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John N. Reynolds, Major (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Verdun, France, October 10, 1918. Major Reynolds proceeded over the enemy lines without benefit of protection planes on a mission of great urgency. He flew about 12 kilometers over the lines, when he was suddenly set upon by 14 hostile planes. He fought them off and succeeded in downing one of the enemy. He continued his flight with his badly damaged plane and concluded his mission. General Orders No. No. 143, W.D., 1918 Birth: Washington, DC Home Town: Washington, DC Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

REYNOLDS, JOHN N. (Second Award) Major (Air Service), U.S. Army Commanding Officer, 1st Army Observation Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 29, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John N. Reynolds, Major (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Grand Pre, France, October 29, 1918. While on. A mission Major Reynolds was suddenly set upon by six enemy aircraft. Although in the German territory, without protection and in danger of being cut off in the rear he entered into combat with the hostile aircraft. He succeeded in shooting down two of the enemy and dispersing the rest of the formation. With his machine severely damaged, he continued until he had completed his mission. General Orders No. No. 143, W.D., 1918 Birth: Washington, DC Home Town: Washington, DC Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

RICHARDSON, JAMES M. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 1st Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 6, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James M. Richardson, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Grand Pre, France, October 6, 1918. Second Lieutenant Richardson undertook an infantry contact patrol mission under weather conditions which necessitated flying at an altitude of only 100 meters. Near the front lines machine-guns opened an effective fire on his plane, and he was wounded in the foot, but he continued on the mission until the front lines of the American troops were located and his observer had written out a report for the division commander. General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919 Birth: Memphis, TN Home Town: Nashville, TN

 

RICKENBACKER, EDWARD VERNON (First Award) Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: April 29, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Montsec, France, April 29, 1918. Captain Rickenbacker attacked an enemy Albatross monoplane, and after a vigorous fight in which he followed his foe into German territory, he succeeded in shooting it down near Vigneulles-les-Hatton Chatel. General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919 Birth: 10/8/1890 - Columbus, OH Home Town: Columbus, OH Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWI), SEVEN Total Awards of the Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

 

RICKENBACKER, EDWARD VERNON (Second Award) Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: May 17, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action over Richecourt, France, on May 17, 1918. Captain Rickenbacker attacked three Albatross enemy planes, shooting one down in the vicinity of Richecourt, France, and forcing the others to retreat over their own lines. General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919 Birth: 10/8/1890 - Columbus, OH Home Town: Columbus, OH Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWI), SEVEN Total Awards of the Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

 

RICKENBACKER, EDWARD VERNON (Third Award) Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: May 22, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action over St. Mihiel, France, on May 22, 1918. Captain Rickenbacker attacked three Albatross monoplanes 4,000 meters over St. Mihiel, France. He drove them back into German territory, separated one from the group, and shot it down near Flirey. General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919 Birth: 10/8/1890 - Columbus, OH Home Town: Columbus, OH Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWI), SEVEN Total Awards of the Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

 

RICKENBACKER, EDWARD VERNON (Fourth Award) Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: May 28, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action over Boise Rate, France, on May 28, 1918. Captain Rickenbacker sighted a group of two battle planes and four monoplanes, German planes, which he at once attacked vigorously, shooting down one and dispersing the others. General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919 Birth: 10/8/1890 - Columbus, OH Home Town: Columbus, OH Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWI), SEVEN Total Awards of the Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

 

RICKENBACKER, EDWARD VERNON (Fifth Award) Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: May 30, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on May 30, 1918, 4,000 meters over Jaulny, France. Captain Rickenbacker attacked a group of five enemy planes. After a violent battle, he shot down one plane and drove the others away. General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919 Birth: 10/8/1890 - Columbus, OH Home Town: Columbus, OH Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWI), SEVEN Total Awards of the Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

 

RICKENBACKER, EDWARD VERNON (Sixth Award) Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 14, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Villecy, France, September 14, 1918. Captain Rickenbacker attacked four Fokker enemy planes at an altitude of 3,000 meters. After a sharp and hot action, he succeeded in shooting one down in flames and dispersing the other three. General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919 Birth: 10/8/1890 - Columbus, OH Home Town: Columbus, OH Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWI), SEVEN Total Awards of the Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

 

RICKENBACKER, EDWARD VERNON (Seventh Award) Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 15, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Bois-de-Wavrille, France, September 15, 1918. Captain Rickenbacker encountered six enemy planes, who were in the act of attacking four Spads, which were below them. Undeterred by their superior numbers, he unhesitatingly attacked them and succeeded in shooting one down in flames and completely breaking the formation of the others. General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919 Birth: 10/8/1890 - Columbus, OH Home Town: Columbus, OH Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWI), SEVEN Total Awards of the Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

ROONEY, PAUL N. A. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, Balloon Section, 1st Army, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 22 - September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Paul N. A. Rooney, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near Ansauville and Germonville, France, July 22 and September 26, 1918. On July 22, near Ansauville, Lieutenant Rooney, with Lieutenant Ferrenbach, was conducting an important observation. At an altitude of 800 meters be was several times attacked by enemy planes but refused to leave his post until his balloon was set afire, and only then after he had seen that his companion had safely jumped. While descending his parachute was almost hit by the falling balloon. He insisted upon returning to his post, and was in the air again as soon as another balloon could be inflated. On September 26, while adjusting artillery fire, his balloon was attacked by three enemy planes (Fokker type). At imminent peril to his life he stuck to his post until one plane dived directly at him. Lieutenant Rooney would not leave the basket until his companion, Lieutenant Montgomery, had jumped to safety. General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919 Birth: Boston, MA Home Town: Boston, MA

RORISON, HARMON C. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 22d Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: November 3, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harmon C. Rorison, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Beaumont, France, November 3, 1918. While on a bombing mission with five other pilots, Lieutenant Rorison's patrol was attacked by 18 enemy planes (Fokker type). Three of his comrades were immediately shot down, but he continued in the fight for 30 minutes and destroyed two Fokkers, which were attacking the other two members of his patrol. With his plane badly damaged and himself wounded, he succeeded in shooting down another Fokker just before one of his guns was put out of action. By skillfully maneuvering he shook off the rest of the Fokkers and reached his lines, 15 miles, away, in safety. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: Wilmington, NC Home Town: Wilmington, NC

*ROSS, CLEO JEPSON First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 8th Balloon Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Cleo Jepson Ross, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Brabant, France, September 26, 1918. Lieutenant Ross was engaged in an important observation, regulating artillery fire, when his balloon was attacked by enemy planes. One of the planes dived from a cloud and fired at the balloon, setting fire to it, and although he could have jumped from the basket at once he refused to leave until his companion, a student observer, had jumped. Lieutenant Ross then leaped, but it was too late, for the burning balloon dropped on his parachute. He was dashed to the ground from a height of 300 meters and killed instantly. General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919 Birth: Titusville, PA Home Town: Titusville, PA

RUCKER, EDWARD W. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: June 13, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward W. Rucker, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Luneville, France, June 13, 1918. Outnumbered and handicapped by his presence far behind the German lines, First Lieutenant Rucker and three flying companions fought brilliantly, a large group of enemy planes, bringing down or putting to flight all in the attacking party, while performing an important mission near Luneville, France. General Orders No. No. 101, W.D., 1918 Birth: Bosworth, MO Home Town: Lebanon, MO

 

RUMMELL, LESLIE J. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 93d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 29, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Leslie J. Rummell, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Moirey, France, September 29, 1918. Lieutenant Rummell, leading a patrol of three planes, sighted an enemy biplace airplane which was protected by seven machines (Fokker type). Despite the tremendous odds, he led his patrol to the attack and destroyed the biplace. By his superior maneuvering and leadership, four more of the enemy planes were destroyed and the remaining three retired. General Orders No. 126, W.D., 1919 Birth: 2/21/1895 - Newark, NJ Home Town: Newark, NJ

 

*SAUNDERS, WILLIAM H. Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 12th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: May 25, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William H. Saunders, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Toul sector, France, May 25, 1918. The artillery of the 26th Division desiring its batteries to be adjusted upon objectives in front of the division, Captain Saunders volunteered to make the attempt, although the weather was most unfavorable to flying. After flying two hours amid heavy antiaircraft fire and having adjusted the fire of three batteries his plane was hit and disabled. Returning to his airdrome he secured another plane and returned to the enemy line to complete his mission. After another hour in the air he was again forced on account of motor trouble to return to the airdrome. Obtaining a third plane he again returned to the lines, the weather conditions forcing him to proceed for a considerable distance behind enemy lines and at low altitude. Flying thus for an hour his plane was hit by antiaircraft fire and badly damaged. With one control shot away, and his propeller likewise injured, he still continued to adjust, always at low altitude and under constant enemy fire, until his mission was successfully accomplished. The heroic conduct of Captain Saunders served as a splendid example of soldierly devotion to duty to the men of his squadron. General Orders No. No. 15, W.D., 1923 Birth: Claremont, SC Home Town: Dalzell, SC

SCHENCK, ALEXANDER P. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 49th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 4, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alexander P. Schenck, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Doulcon, France, October 4, 1918. Lieutenant Schenck was one of an offensive patrol of six planes that attacked and engaged in combat 17 enemy machines (Fokker type). While he was engaging one of the enemy, he observed a comrade about to be sent down by an enemy plane that had maneuvered to an advantageous position. Lieutenant Schenck immediately left off the combat he was engaged in and shot down the plane, thereby saving the life of his comrade. General Orders No. No. 138, W.D., 1918 Birth: Greensboro, NC Home Town: Plainfield, NJ

 

*SCHOEN, KARL JOSEPH First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 139th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 10, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Karl Joseph Schoen, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Ancerville, France, October 10, 1918. While leading a patrol of three machines, Lieutenant Schoen sighted nine enemy planes, Fokker type, and immediately attacked them. Although greatly outnumbered, he destroyed one of the planes and put the others to flight. He was killed in action October 29 and has been officially credited with destroying seven enemy aircraft. General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919 Birth: 10/20/1896 - Indianapolis, IN Home Town: Indianapolis, IN

 

SEAVER, ARTHUR F. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 20th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 16, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur F. Seaver, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Etain, France, September 16, 1918. Lieutenant Seaver, with his squadron started on a bombing raid. The formation was broken up because of various troubles to the machines. Lieutenant Seaver, with his observer, Lieutenant Stokes continued on and joined a formation of another bombing squadron. After crossing the lines their plane was struck by an antiaircraft explosive shell, throwing the machine out of control. When Lieutenant Seaver gained control of the machine it had fallen away from the protection of the other planes. With their crippled plane and missing motor they continued until they had reached their objective, when their motor died completely. An enemy plane attacked, but Lieutenant Stokes kept him off until his machine coasted to their own lines. General Orders No. No. 143, W.D., 1918 Birth: Brooklyn, NY Home Town: Brooklyn, NY

SELLERS, CECIL G. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 20th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 16, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Cecil G. Sellers, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Longuyon, France, September 16, 1918. Starting on a very important bombing mission with five other planes, as pilot First Lieutenant Sellers went on alone when the other five machines were forced to turn back. On crossing the enemy lines he was attacked by three enemy planes, but continued toward his objectives, while his observer kept them at bay. In the face of this hostile opposition the objective was reached and their bombs dropped. On the way back four more planes joined in the attack, but fighting them off they reached our lines with valuable information after a fight lasting 38 minutes. General Orders No. No. 123, W.D., 1918 Birth: Dyersburg, TN Home Town: Memphis, TN

 

SEWALL, SUMNER (First Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 95th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: June 3 & October 13, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Sumner Sewall, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near Menil-la-Tour, France, June 3, 1918, and near Landres-St.-Georges, France, October 13, 1918. On June 3, Lieutenant Sewall with two other pilots attacked a formation of sis hostile planes. Through his companions were forced to withdraw because of jammed guns, he continued in the fight for 15 minutes and succeeded in sending one of his adversaries down in flames. On October 18, while on a voluntary patrol, this officer saw an American observation plane being attacked by a German machine (Fokker type), accompanied by eight other hostile planes. He immediately attacked and destroyed the Fokker and was in turn attacked by the eight planes. By skillful maneuvering he evaded them and escorted the observation plane back to our lines. General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919 Birth: 6/17/1897 - Bath, ME Home Town: Bath, ME Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

 

 

SEWALL, SUMNER (Second Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 95th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 7, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Sumner Sewall, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Rocourt, France, July 7, 1918. Lieutenant Sewall fearlessly attacked a formation of five enemy planes (type K Fokker) and separated one from the group, pursued it far behind the enemy's lines and sent it down in crash, following it within 30 meters of the ground in spite of severe fire from a machine-gun, rifles, and anti-aircraft guns, bullets from which passed through his clothing. General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919 Birth: Bath, ME Home Town: Bath, ME Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

SHELBY, RICHARD D. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 139th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 10, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard D. Shelby, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 10, 1918. Lieutenant Shelby encountered six enemy planes at a very low altitude strafing our trenches. He immediately attacked and dispersed the enemy planes and by skillful maneuvering brought one of the planes down just behind his own lines. General Orders No. 35, W.D., 1919 Birth: Rosedale, MS Home Town: Rosedale, MS

SIMON, LOUIS C., JR. (First Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 16, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Louis C. Simon, Jr., First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Hadonville-les-La-Chausse, France, September 16, 1918. While on a protection patrol for American observation planes from the 99th Aero Squadron, Lieutenant Simon was fired upon by three Halberstadt biplane fighters. Regardless of his personal danger, he immediately engaged the enemy, although alone, drawing them down and away from the observation planes which continued their important work unmolested. Lieutenant Simon continued fighting the three Halberstadts fiercely in spite of the odds against him. He finally succeeded in getting on the tail of one; and, after firing a short burst at close range, the enemy plane fell out of control. The remaining two planes quickly broke off the combat and headed east with motors full on. General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919 Birth: Columbus, OH Home Town: Columbus, OH Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

SIMON, LOUIS C., JR. (Second Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 23, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Louis C. Simon, Jr., First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cierges, France, October 23, 1918. Lieutenant Simon and two other pilots encountered nine (type Fokker) enemy planes, which were protecting an observation plane (type Rumpler). Lieutenant Simon attacked the lower formation of four planes alone and drove them off. He next dived at the observation plane and sent it crashing to the ground in flames. General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919 Birth: Columbus, OH Home Town: Columbus, OH Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

SNYDER, JOHN H. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 1st Army Observation Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 12, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Snyder, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action September 12, 1918. While on a special mission to determine the probable enemy concentration in the back areas, Lieutenant Snyder, with his pilot, in spite of almost impossible flying conditions, flew 60 kilometers over the enemy lines at a very low altitude. The unfavorable weather alone would have warranted them in turning back, but they continued on regardless of very active and accurate machine-gun and anti-aircraft fire. They returned to our lines only when their mission was successfully completed. General Orders No. 1, W.D., 1919 Birth: Reading, PA Home Town: Reading, PA

 

SPAATZ, CARL ANDREW "TOOHEY" Major (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 3d Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Carl Andrew "Toohey" Spaatz, Major (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action during the St. Mihiel offensive, September 26, 1918. Although he had received orders to go to the United States, Major Spatz begged for and received permission to serve with a pursuit squadron at the front. Subordinating himself to men of lower rank, he was attached to a squadron as a pilot and saw continuous and arduous service through the offensive. As a result of his efficient work he was promoted to the position of night commander. Knowing that another attack was to take place in the vicinity of Verdun, he remained on duty in order to take part. On the day of the attack west of the Meuse, while with his patrol over enemy lines, a number of enemy aircraft were encountered. In the combat that followed he succeeded in bringing down three enemy planes. In his ardor and enthusiasm he became separated from his patrol while following another enemy far beyond the lines. His gasoline giving out, he was forced to land and managed to land within friendly territory. Through these acts he became an inspiration and example to all men with whom he was associated. General Orders No. No. 123, W.D., 1918 Birth: 6/28/1891 - Boyertown, PA Home Town: Boyertown, PA

 

 

SPRINGS, ELLIOTT WHITE First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 148th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 22, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Elliott White Springs, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bapaume, France, August 22, 1918. Attacking three enemy planes (type Fokker), who were driving on one of our planes, Lieutenant Springs, after a short and skillful fight, drove off two of the enemy and shot down the third. On the same day he attacked a formation of five enemy planes (type Fokker), and after shooting down one plane was forced to retire because of lack of ammunition. General Orders No. 23, W.D., 1919 Birth: 7/31/1896 - Fort Mill, SC Home Town: Lancaster, SC

 

STEELE, RICHARD WILSON Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 166th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 23, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard Wilson Steele, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bois-de-Barricourt, France, October 23, 1918. While on a bombing raid back of the German lines Lieutenant Steele, accompanied by his pilot, was attacked by six German pursuit planes. They were forced to leave the formation in which they were traveling owing to engine trouble; the enemy began riddling their plane with machine-gun fire. Lieutenant Steele fought them on all sides and is credited by members of the 11th Aero Squadron, who were flying over him several thousand feet, with having brought down one of his opponents. He was wounded twice in the leg and twice in the arm, and continued fighting although each time he was hit he was knocked down into the observer's cockpit. At last, however, only his tail gun was in working condition, the other two having been disabled by bullets, and Lieutenant Steele sank unconscious into the cockpit. General Orders 7, W.D., 1919 Birth: Omaha, NE Home Town: Oak Park, IL

 

STENSETH, MARTINUS First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 28th Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 22, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Martinus Stenseth, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action over the Argonne Forest, France, October 22, 1918. Lieutenant Stenseth went to the rescue of a French plane attacked by six enemy Fokker planes with twelve additional enemy planes hovering in reserve. Attacking the enemy with vigor, single handed, he drove down and destroyed one enemy plane and put to flight the remainder. His gallant act in the face of overwhelming odds proved an inspiration to the men of his squadron. General Orders No. 9, W.D., 1923 Birth: 6/11/1890 - Heiberg, MN Home Town: Minneapolis, MN

 

*STEVENS, JOHN H. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 2, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Stevens, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, July 2, 1918. Lieutenant Stevens, with four other pilots, attacked 12 enemy aircraft (type Pfalz) flying in two groups well within the enemy lines. As soon as the enemy planes were sighted Lieutenant Stevens maneuvered to get between them and the sun, and with great difficulty gained the advantage. While three of the other American officers dived on the lower formation Lieutenant Stevens and Second Lieutenant Kenneth L. Porter engaged the upper formation in a bold and brilliant combat, two planes of which they crashed to the earth. General Orders No. 1, W.D., 1919 Birth: Lynchburg, VA Home Town: Albion, NY

STOKES, JOHN Y., JR. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 20th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 16, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Y. Stokes, Jr., First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Etain, France, September 16, 1918. After their own formation had been broken up, Lieutenant Stokes and his pilot voluntarily continued on their bombing mission with planes from another squadron. Although their plane was thrown out of control by antiaircraft fire, they proceeded to their objective and dropped their bombs. Their motor then died completely, and they were attacked by an enemy combat plane, but they fought off the attacking machine and reached the allied lines, where their plane crashed in a forest. General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919 Birth: Reidsville, NC Home Town: Reidsville, NC

STOUT, PENROSE V. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 28, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Penrose V. Stout, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Charnay, France, September 28, 1918. While engaged in a solitary patrol of the enemy lines Lieutenant Stout attacked an artillery regulating machine. He was almost immediately attacked by five enemy planes, and subjected to infantry and anti-aircraft fire, but fearlessly continued the unequal fight until his machine guns were broken and he was shot through the shoulder and lung. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: Montgomery, AL Home Town: Bronxville, NY

 

STOVALL, WILLIAM HOWARD First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 13th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Howard Stovall, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Etain, France, September 26, 1918. While leading a protection patrol over a day bombing formation First Lieutenant Stovall's patrol became reduced through motor trouble to himself and one other pilot. When the bombing patrol was attacked by seven enemy planes he in turn attacked the enemy and destroyed one plane. General Orders No. No. 145, W.D., 1918 Birth: 2/18/1895 - Stovall, MS Home Town: Stovall, MS

 

 

STRAHM, VICTOR H. Major (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 91st Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 13, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Victor H. Strahm, Major (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Metz, France, September 13, 1918. Major Strahm displayed remarkable courage and skill in penetrating the enemy territory for a distance of 25 kilometers, flying at an altitude of less than 300 meters. His plane was subjected to intense fire from anti-aircraft guns in the region of Metz, and he was attacked by a superior number of German planes, one of which he destroyed. He completed his mission and returned with information of great military value. General Orders No. 1, W.D., 1919 Birth: Nashville, TN Home Town: Bowling Green, KY

 

*SUITER, WILBUR C. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 135th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 12, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Wilbur C. Suiter, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Vilcey-sur-Trey, France, September 12, 1918. First Lieutenant Suiter, with Second Lieutenant Guy E. Morse, observer, fearlessly volunteered for the perilous mission of locating the enemy's advance unit in the rear of the Hindenburg line. Disregarding the hail of machine gun fire and bursting antiaircraft shell, they invaded the enemy territory at a low altitude and accomplished their mission, securing for our staff information of the greatest importance. These two gallant officers at once returned to the lines and undertook another reconnaissance mission, from which they failed to return. General Orders No. No. 133, W.D., 1918 Birth: Lockhaven, PA Home Town: York, PA

 

SWAAB, JACQUES M. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 22d Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 28 & October 27, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jacques M. Swaab, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 28, 1918, and in the region of Champignuelle, October 27, 1918. On September 28 Lieutenant Swaab, although himself pursued by two enemy planes, perceiving one of his comrades in distress and in danger of being shot down, dived upon the enemy plane which was directly behind that of his comrade and shot the enemy plane out of control, forcing it to withdraw. His prompt act in going to the assistance of his comrade enabled the latter to escape. On October 27 Lieutenant Swaab and another member of his group engaged in combat with seven enemy planes. In this encounter, although outnumbered, Lieutenant Swaab continued in his attack and succeeded in shooting down an enemy D. F. W. observation plane. General Orders No. No. 53, W.D., 1920 Birth: 4/21/1894 - Philadelphia, PA Home Town: Philadelphia, PA

 

*TAYLOR, WILLIAM H. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 95th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: May 28, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William H. Taylor, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Pont-a-Mousson, France, May 28, 1918. Accompanied by Lieutenant Hambleton, Lieutenant Taylor answered an alert to Lironville and encountered five enemy planes in the vicinity of St. Mihiel. As they approached, the enemy turned away. Lieutenant Taylor and Lieutenant Hambleton followed and at Pont-a-Mousson again came up with them, at 2,500 meters. Lieutenant Hambleton attacked the lowest one, firing 20 rounds and forcing it from the formation, while Lieutenant Taylor remained above to protect him and to keep off the other enemy planes. An enemy bullet having shot the cross-section wires of Lieutenant Hambleton's plane away, the splinters from same cutting his cheek and right shoulder, he turned from combat to ascertain damage to his plane. As the enemy plan was falling Lieutenant Taylor opened fire and immediately brought the German down. General Orders No. No. 15, W.D., 1923 Birth: Scranton, PA Home Town: New York, NY

TAYLOR, WILLIAM J. R. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 3d Balloon Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26 - October 10, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William J. R. Taylor, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near Malancourt and Montfaucon, France, September 26 - October 10, 1918. On September 26, while conducting an important observation, Lieutenant Taylor was twice attacked by enemy planes. He would not jump from his balloon because of the valuable work he was doing for the Infantry, although he was at all times in danger of losing his life from incendiary bullets. On October 3, near Montfaucon, Lieutenant Taylor was attacked, but refused to leave until his balloon caught ore. Again, on October 6, he was attacked and forced down in his parachute. On October 10, while he was conducting an important observation, an enemy patrol hovered over his balloon; he refused to jump until attacked at close quarters. His heroic devotion to duty was an inspiration to the officers and men of his company. General Orders No. 3, W.D., 1919 Birth: Rochester, NY Home Town: Rochester, NY

TEN EYCK, WALTON B., JR. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 96th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 27, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walton B. Ten Eyck, Jr., Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Birquenay, France, October 27, 1918. While engaged on a voluntary bombing mission, Lieutenant Teneyck was attacked by seven enemy planes (Fokker Type). Although seriously wounded, he maneuvered Ms plane so skillfully that his observer was able to drive off the enemy planes. In the combat his plane was struck by 25 enemy bullets, some of which exploded the magazines of the observer's guns. In spite of his wounds and the damage to his machine he succeeded in landing safely on a strange field. General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919 Birth: Booklyn, NY Home Town: Brooklyn, NY

 

THAW, WILLIAM (First Award) Major (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: March 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Thaw, Major (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Reims, France, March 26, 1918. Major Thaw was the leader of a patrol of three planes which attacked five enemy monoplanes and three battle planes. He and another member of the patrol brought down one enemy plane and the three drove down, out of control, two others, and dispersed the remainder. General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918 Birth: 8/12/1893 - Pittsburgh, PA Home Town: Pittsburgh, PA Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

 

 

THAW, WILLIAM (Second Award) Major (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: April 20, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Thaw, Major (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Montaigne, France, April 20, 1918. In the region of Montaigne Major Thaw attacked and brought down, burning, an enemy balloon. While returning to his own lines the same day he attacked two enemy monoplanes, one of which he shot down in flames. General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918 Birth: 8/12/1893 - Pittsburgh, PA Home Town: Pittsburgh, PA

 

*THOMAS, GERALD PROVOST Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 17th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 22, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gerald Provost Thomas, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cambrai, France, September 22, 1918. When ten enemy planes of his group were attacked by a superior number of the enemy, Lieutenant Thomas refused to seek safety in flight, but attacked a superior number of the enemy in order to assist another member of his squadron to escape. In the performance of this act he was shot down and killed by the enemy. General Orders No. No. 35, W.D., 1920 Birth: Flushing, NY Home Town: Flushing, NY

*THOMPSON, ROBERT E. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 96th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 13, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert E. Thompson, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action between Chambley and Xammes, France, September 13, 1918. While acting as observer of a flight of three airplanes they were attacked by a flight of fifteen enemy airplanes. Despite the fact that his formation was surrounded by overwhelming numbers of the enemy, Lieutenant Thompson continued his mission and bombed his objective. In the fight which followed Lieutenant Thompson and his pilot fought gallantly, thus enabling another airplane of the flight to return with valuable information of the enemy. In this fight Lieutenant Thompson's airplane was shot down and both he and his pilot were killed when their airplane crashed to the ground. General Orders No. No. 15, W.D., 1923 Birth: Oenaville, TX Home Town: Temple, TX

TILLMAN, FRED A. Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army Observer, 200th Squadron, French Air Service (Attached), Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: June 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Fred A. Tillman, Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Reims, France, June 26, 1918. Second Lieutenant Tillman aroused the admiration of all the French first-line infantrymen when making an infantry liaison west of Reims, France, June 26, 1918. He flew over the enemy lines at an altitude of only 50 meters, in spite of violent machine-gun and antiaircraft fire. Shot down between the lines, with his plane riddled with bullets and his pilot severely wounded, he picked up his pilot in his arms and carried him through heavy fire more than 200 meters to the French first lines, after he himself was wounded in the neck. General Orders No. 99, W.D., 1918 Birth: Fayetteville, AR Home Town: Fayetteville, AR

TITTMAN, HAROLD H. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 1, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harold H. Tittman, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bouresches, France, July 1, 1918. While on patrol First Lieutenant Tittman encountered seven machines. Despite numerical superiority and the enemy advantage of position, he immediately attacked. After firing a few rounds his guns became jammed. In the midst of a veritable hail of machine-gun fire he repaired the jam and resumed the attack. Although he was severely wounded, he continued until the enemy was forced to retire behind their own lines. General Orders No. No. 143, W.D., 1918 Birth: St. Louis, MO Home Town: St. Louis, MO

 

TOBIN, EDGAR GARDNER First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: July 16, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edgar Gardner Tobin, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Vieville, France, July 16, 1918. While leading a patrol of three machines in the region of Vieville, First Lieutenant Tobin attacked an enemy formation of six single-seaters. He destroyed two himself and forced down a third out of control. General Orders No. 99, W.D., 1918 Birth: 9/7/1896 - San Antonio, TX Home Town: San Antonio, TX

 

*TREADWELL, ALVIN H. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 22d Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 10, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alvin H. Treadwell, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of St. Juvin, France, October 10, 1918. While leading a patrol of four machines at an altitude of 3,000 meters Lieutenant Treadwell observed two American observation airplanes hard pressed by nine of the enemy. Disregarding the enemy's advantage in number and position he promptly attacked, whereupon the enemy immediately retired. On October 29, 1918, in the region of Bayonville, France, at an altitude of 3,000 meters, Lieutenant Treadwell attacked an enemy biplane, killing the observer and following the machine down to within 50 meters of the ground, well within the enemy's territory. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Treadwell greatly inspired the members of his squadron. General Orders No. No. 15, W.D., 1923 Birth: Oxford, OH Home Town: Poughkeepsie, NY

VAIL, WILLIAM H. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 95th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: November 6, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William H. Vail, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Stenay, France, November 6, 1918, Lieutenant Vail, while on patrol, engaged four hostile pursuit planes which were about to attack an accompanying plane. Almost immediately he was attacked by five more enemy planes, all of which he continued to fight until he was severely wounded and his plane disabled. He glided to the ground, abandoning the flight only when his machine fell to pieces near the ground. General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919 Birth: Chicago, IL Home Town: Chicago, IL

 

VAUGHN, GEORGE AUGUSTUS First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 17th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 22 & 28, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George Augustus Vaughn, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cambrai, France, September 22, 1918. Lieutenant Vaughn while leading an offensive flight patrol sighted 18 enemy Fokkers about to attack a group of five allied planes flying at a low level. Although outnumbered nearly 5 to 1, he attacked the enemy group, personally shot down two enemy planes, the remaining three planes of his group shooting down two more. His courage and daring enabled the group of allied planes to escape. Again on September 28, 1918, he alone attacked an enemy advance plane which was supported by seven Fokkers and shot the advance plane down in flames. General Orders No. 60, W.D., 1920 Birth: 5/20/1897 - Brooklyn, NY Home Town: Brooklyn, NY

 

 

*VERNAM, REMINGTON D. B. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 22d Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 10, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Remington D. B. Vernam, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Buzancy, France, October 10, 1918. Successively attacking two enemy balloons, which were moored to their nests, Lieutenant Vernam displayed the highest degree of daring. He executed his task despite the fact that several enemy planes were above him, descending to an altitude of less than ten meters when five miles within the enemy lines. His well-directed fire caused both balloons to burst into flames. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919 Birth: 3/24/1896 - Rutherford, NY Home Town: New York, NY

 

WALLIS, JAMES E., JR. Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 1st Army Observation Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 13, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James E. Wallis, Jr., Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Metz, France, September 13, 1918. While on a reconnaissance under the most adverse weather conditions, which necessitated flying at an extremely low altitude, he, with his pilot, penetrated the enemy's territory to a depth of 25 kilometers. Attacked by five enemy planes, they destroyed one and forced the others to retire. In heavy fire from the ground they continued on their mission until it was completed. General Orders No. No. 145, W.D., 1918 Birth: East Aurora, NY Home Town: Cambridge, MA

WARING, WILLIAM W. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 11th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William W. Waring, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, September 26, 1918. Deeming it impossible to catch their own formation, Lieutenant Waring, with Lieutenant Sigbert Norris, observer, attached themselves to a formation from the 20th Squadron and engaged in a 35-minute fight with 30 enemy aircraft. Five of this squadron were lost and the observer of one of the three remaining planes seriously wounded. The wounded man had fallen in a position which made the control of the machine difficult. Lieutenant Waring immediately placed his machine between the enemy formation and the crippled companion in order to protect it, and continued to fly in this place until our lines were crossed and the enemy scouts driven off. General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919 Birth: Franklinville, NY Home Town: Buffalo, NY

WARNER, DONALD D. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 96th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 4, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Donald D. Warner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on September 4, 1918. While on a bombing expedition with other planes from his squadron First Lieutenant Warner engaged in a running fight over hostile territory with a superior number of enemy battle planes, from Friauville to Lamorville, France. During the combat he was severely wounded, his right thigh being badly shattered. In spite of his injuries he continued to operate his machine-guns until the hostile formation had been driven off and one plane shot down, burning. General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918 Birth: Rochester, NY Home Town: Swampscott, MA

*WAY, PENNINGTON H. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 96th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 12, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Pennington H. Way, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Buxieres, France, September 12, 1918. Lieutenant Way with First Lieutenant Gundelach, pilot, volunteered for a hazardous mission to bomb concentrations of enemy troops. They successfully bombed their objective, but while returning were attacked by eight enemy planes. Their plane was brought down in flames and both officers killed. General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919 Birth: Philadelphia, PA Home Town: St. Davids, PA

 

*WEHNER, JOSEPH FRANK (First Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 15, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph Frank Wehner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Rouvres, France, September 15, 1918. While on a mission First Lieutenant Wehner found an enemy patrol of eight machines attacking a single American observation machine. He immediately attacked, destroying one and forcing another down out of control, his own plane being badly damaged by enemy machine-gun fire. He managed to convey the American plane to safety. General Orders No. No. 138, W.D., 1918 Birth: 9/20/1895 - Roxbury, MA Home Town: Everett, MA Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

 

 

*WEHNER, JOSEPH FRANK (Second Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 16, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph Frank Wehner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Mangiennes and Reville, France, September 16, 1918. Amid terrific antiaircraft and ground machine-gun fire First Lieutenant Wehner descended, attacked, and destroyed two enemy balloons. One of these balloons was destroyed in flames after it had been hauled to the ground and was resting in its bed. General Orders No. No. 138, W.D., 1918 Birth: 9/20/1895 - Roxbury, MA Home Town: Everett, MA Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

 

*WHITE, WILBERT WALLACE (First Award) Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 14, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Wilbert Wallace White, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the regions of Etain and Chambley, France, September 14, 1918. While protecting three allied observation planes in the region of Etain, Lieutenant White was attacked by three Halberstadt fighters. He engaged them immediately, successfully fighting them off and leading them all away from the observation planes, which were thus permitted to carry on their work unmolested. While returning home he dived through a cloud to attack an enemy balloon near Chambley, bringing it down in flames. Two Fokker scouts then attacked him; and, although he was alone, with intrepid courage he attacked the first Fokker head on, shooting until it went down into a vertical dive out of control. Pulling up sharply, he fired a long burst at the second Fokker as it went over him, putting it to immediate flight. General Orders 71, W.D., 1919 Birth: 5/1/1889 - New York, NY Home Town: New York, NY Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

 

 

*WHITE, WILBERT WALLACE (Second Award) Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 10, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Wilbert Wallace White, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Toul, France, October 10, 1918. Lieutenant White was in command of a patrol of four planes, which was attacked by five German Fokkers. He attacked the enemy plane which was hard pressing a new pilot. The German Fokker had gotten at the tail of the American plane and was overtaking it. Lieutenant White's gun having jammed, he drove his plane head-on into the German Fokker, both crashing to earth, 500 meters below. General Orders 71, W.D., 1919 Birth: 5/1/1889 - New York, NY Home Town: New York, NY Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

 

*WILLIAMS, BERTRAM First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 96th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 13, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Bertram Williams, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action between Chambley and Xammes, France, September 13, 1918. As observer, Lieutenant Bertram accompanied Lieutenant Hopkins, pilot, on a flight of three planes which were attacked by 15 enemy planes. Despite the overwhelming number of the enemy by which they were surrounded, the American planes proceeded on their mission and bombed their objective. In the action which followed he and his pilot continued the unequal fight until they were shot down and killed. The heroic conduct displayed greatly inspired the members of the squadron and enabled one of the American planes to return to its airdrome with valuable information of the enemy. General Orders No. No. 15, W.D., 1923 Birth: Cambridge, MA Home Town: Cambridge, MA

 

WINSLOW, ALAN F. Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: June 6, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alan F. Winslow, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Toul sector on June 6, 1918. While on a patrol, consisting of himself and two other pilots, Second Lieutenant Winslow encountered an enemy biplane at an altitude of 4,000 meters near St. Mihiel, France. He promptly and vigorously attacked, and after a running fight extending far beyond the German lines shot his foe down in flames near Thiaucourt. General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918 Birth: River Forest, IL Home Town: River Forest, IL

 

WRIGHT, BURDETTE S. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Observer, 12th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 26, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Burdette S. Wright, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the vicinity of Boureuilles, France, September 26, 1918. Lieutenant Wright and First Lieutenant Robert C. Paradise, pilot, were assigned the duty of locating the American front lines during the first two hours of the Argonne offensive. Unable to locate the line at the usual altitude maintained at such a time, he flew down to the dangerous altitude of 50 meters, secured the important information sought and discovered our lines held up by a strongly held nest of enemy machine guns. Noting the exact location of the nest upon his map he flew back to division headquarters and reported the exact location of our liens, as well as that of the enemy machine-gun nest. With his plane riddled by enemy bullets, one control shot away, he returned to the lines, discovered the enemy nests had not been destroyed and that they were inflicting heavy casualties upon our troops. In the face of concentrated enemy fire and attacked by four enemy planes, he went down, his plane barely skimming the tree tops, and deliberately fired over 400 rounds into the enemy nests, thus causing the enemy gunners to abandon their guns and positions and enabling the troops of his division to resume their advance. Again gaining altitude he discovered and destroyed by his fire an enemy signal station, signaling unmolested, 2 kilometers north of the lines. This act was performed at an altitude of 50 meters amid a storm of protection fire from enemy antiaircraft guns. General Orders No. No. 14, W.D., 1928 Birth: New Albany, IN Home Town: New Albany, IN

 

WRIGHT, CHESTER E. (First Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 93d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 10, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Chester E. Wright, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Beffu, France, October 10, 1918. Lieutenant Wright attacked an enemy observation balloon protected by four enemy planes and, despite numerical superiority, he forced the planes to withdraw and destroyed the enemy balloon. General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919 Birth: 9/1/1897 - Readville, MA Home Town: Brookline, MA Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

 

WRIGHT, CHESTER E. (Second Award) First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 93d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: October 23, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Chester E. Wright, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bantheville, France, October 23, 1918. Lieutenant Wright, accompanied by one other machine, attacked and sent down in flames an enemy plane (Fokker type), that was attacking an allied plane. He was in turn attacked by three enemy planes. His companion was forced to withdraw on account of motor trouble. Lieutenant Wright continued the combat and succeeded in bringing down one of the enemy planes and forced the remaining two into their own territory. General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919 Birth: 9/1/1897 - Readville, MA Home Town: Brookline, MA Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

WYLY, LAWRENCE T. First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Pilot, 148th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F. Date of Action: August 15, September 17, & October 21, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Lawrence T. Wyly, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Chaulnes, France, August 15, 1918. Acting as flight leader of five airplanes Lieutenant Wyly observed 15 or 20 enemy planes attacking a small number of allied planes. Lieutenant Wyly rushed to the assistance of the allied airmen and repeatedly attacked superior numbers of enemy planes. His machine was riddled by enemy fire and his gas tank perforated. Despite this fact, he continued to fight until his plane was shot down close behind our lines, but before landing had succeeded in scattering and driving off the enemy planes. On September 17, northwest of Cambrai, he boldly attacked five enemy planes, shooting down one of the enemy. On October 21 he volunteered to attack the enemy airdrome near Famors, outside of Valenciennes, many miles behind the enemy lines, despite the fog and mist on that day. In company with another pilot of the squadron he reached his destination to find the airdrome had the night before been evacuated. They continued on to Valenciennes, discovered an enemy transport column two miles in length. In spite of enemy machine-gun fire and almost impossible flying conditions, the column was attacked and great damage inflicted upon it. His machine badly crippled, he returned to his airdrome with extremely valuable information. General Orders No. No. 14, W.D., 1923 Birth: Cardington, OH Home Town: Duluth, MN