Frederick Winant, Jr.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frederick Winant, Jr., First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Mezy, France, July 15, 1918. Lieutenant Winant was in command of the Stokes’ mortar platoon of his regiment at the beginning of the German attack of July 15, when all but two of his guns were blown out of their pits by enemy fire. Changing the location of his two remaining guns, he continued to fire on the Germans as they crossed the Marne, and when he was no longer able to do so he withdrew his men, numbering about 20, and assisted in holding back the enemy, approaching from three sides. Regardless of personal danger, he remained on duty throughout the action, refusing to accept first aid, though he had been twice wounded.