Harry D. Heitz

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harry D. Heitz, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Apremont, France, October 1, 1918. With rare coolness, courage, energy, and initiative Lieutenant Heitz led two platoons of tanks against an enemy attack upon the town of Apremont. Two of the tanks being disabled, he continued to advance, causing heavy casualties among the enemy forces. He continued for a considerable distance within the enemy lines and attacked them from the rear, thus rendering highly important help to his own forces. He continued his attack upon the enemy until his own tank was completely disabled. Discovering a wounded sergeant lying exposed to violent enemy machine-gun, rifle, and artillery fire he carried the wounded man to shelter.