Ben Van Gunday

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ben Van Gunday, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bois-de-Consenvoye, France, October 8, and Bois-de-Grande Montagne, France, October 16, 1918. During the entire action Private Van Gunday operated his automatic rifle with great effect against extremely heavy odds, aiding the advance of his platoon, killing may of the enemy, and assisting in the capture of many more. He repeatedly exposed himself to draw the enemy fire so that he could better operate his gun.