Earl J. Martin

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Earl J. Martin, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 27, 1918. Corporal Martin led his platoon over the top until further advance was impossible. He then remained in observation. Upon being grenaded by two of the enemy, be shot them with his pistol and moving forward, gained entrance to an unused pillbox. A few hours later he ventured out into enemy trenches, entered a nearby dugout, and disposed of six occupants, then retired to his former position in the pillbox, returning to his own lines after dark.