Edward C. Desaussure

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward C. Desaussure, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Sommerance, France, October 18, 1918. Lieutenant Desaussure was painfully wounded by shrapnel while in command of his company. Continuing to direct its operations while he was having his wound attended at the dressing station, he insisted upon returning to his command immediately thereafter, and, in attempting to do so, was killed by a bursting shell. His conspicuous devotion to duty and self-sacrificing spirit furnished an inspiration to his men, which contributed materially to the ultimate success of the attack.