Gordon D. Flanagan

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gordon D. Flanagan, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Dannevoux, France, September 28, 1918. The fieldpiece of which Private Flanagan was gunner was moved by hand to a position exposed to observation and enemy fire, in order to deliver direct fire upon the enemy guns near Vilosnes. The officer in charge was called away early in the engagement and Private Flanagan took command during the critical period and fired 200 rounds at enemy guns. In spite of the heavy enemy fire concentrated upon his position, he delivered a very effective fire on the enemy. He ceased to fire only after his gun had been struck by shell splinters from both front and rear.