Charles B. Allen

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles B. Allen, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Baulny, France, September 26 – 29, 1918. Lieutenant Allen, although sick as a result of being gassed in the advance of Vanquois, refused to be evacuated and remained with his company, assuming command when its captain was called to command the battalion, leading his company with exemplary courage and skill in the attack on Baulny, on the evening of September 27, driving beyond the place and L’Esperance to the ravine north of the latter place, with one exception the farthest north reached by any considerable force that night. He rejoined the battalion on the morning of the 28th and led his company successfully in the advance to Bois-de-Montrebeau, and on the morning of September 29, to Exermont, in which advance he was seriously and painfully wounded, but again refused to be evacuated. Holding Exermont until a superior officer ordered him to retire, he thereafter resolutely held his company on the line in Bois-de-Montrebeau until the ordered withdrawal the evening of September 29, when he was evacuated by order.