David C. Harris, Jr.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to David C. Harris, Jr., Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Puvenelle sector, France, October 13, 1918. Private Harris was dispatched with an important message to battalion headquarters after three runners had failed to penetrate the severe enemy barrage. With an utter disregard for his own personal safety Private Harris succeeded in passing through the heavy enemy artillery fire and delivered the message. After returning to his company Private Harris found that one of the officers of his company had been wounded and made another trip to battalion headquarters to secure first aid. While making this trip he assisted another wounded officer in the first-aid station, making in all three trips over this extremely dangerous area. During the performance of this act of gallantry Private Harris was severely gassed. Private Harris’ extraordinary courage and devotion to duty and his successful deliver of the message were of great importance to his company, and resulted in the saving of many lives.