Archie J. Finley

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Archie J. Finley, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Gesnes, France, October 9, 1918. In the fighting near Gesnes, Corporal Finley’s platoon became isolated in a position far in advance of the rest of his company. In order to obtain liaison, Corporal Finley twice voluntarily carried messages from his platoon to the remainder of the company. In order to do this, it was necessary to cross two stretches which were entirely open to the enemy’s fire. In spite of this, Corporal Finley carried out his mission successfully and completed plans for the withdrawal of the platoon that night. During the withdrawal of the platoon, Corporal Finley repeatedly returned to search for wounded men, whom he carried on his back to a place of safety.