Francis W. Gilbert

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Francis W. Gilbert, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 26, 1918, and near Remille, France, November 10, 1918. On August 26 Captain Gilbert made a daylight reconnaissance of the ruins of the Tannerie, near Fismes, entered Fismes under direct observation and fire of the enemy and continued his reconnaissance along the Rouen-Reims road, under machine-gun fire, for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not the terrain was favorable for an attack on the Chateau du Diable. On November 10 he voluntarily led a patrol across the River Meuse, and located the enemy positions.