Edward Russell Moore

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward Russell Moore, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Thiaucourt, France, October 9, 1918. Lieutenant Moore, with First Lieutenant Gardner Philip Allen, observer, took advantage of a short period of fair weather during generally unfavorable atmospheric conditions to undertake a photographic mission behind the German lines. Accompanied by two protecting planes, they had just commenced their mission when they were attacked by eight enemy planes, which followed them throughout their course, firing at the photographic plane. Lieutenant Moore, pilot, with both firing wires cut by bullets, a landing wire shot away, his elevators riddled with bullets, and both wings punctured, continued on his prescribed course, although it made him an easy target. Lieutenant Allen was thus enabled in the midst of the attack to take pictures of the exact territory assigned, and he made no attempt to protect the plane with his machine guns. Displaying entire disregard of his personal danger and steadfast devotion to duty, the two officers successfully accomplished their mission.