Harry Hodges Semmes

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harry Hodges Semmes, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Vauquois, France, September 26, 1918. Captain Semmes left his tank under severe rifle fire and personally reconnoitered a passage for his tank across the German trenches, remaining dismounted until the last tank had passed. While so engaged he was severely wounded.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harry Hodges Semmes, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Xivray, France, September 12, 1918. During the operations along the Rupt de Mad, Captain Semmes’s tank fell into the water and was completely submerged. Upon escaping through the turret door and finding that his driver was still in the tank, Captain Semmes returned and rescued the driver under machine-gun fire.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Harry Hodges Semmes, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with 66th Armored Regiment, in action against enemy forces on 9 November 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Semmes’ intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.