Harry L. Bennett, Jr.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harry L. Bennett, Jr., Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Soissons, France, July 18, 1918. Being in command of a regimental train and having been instructed to deliver medical supplies at all costs to the advance first-aid station, and after all means of transportation had failed, Captain Bennett secured a wheel litter which he packed with medical supplies, then filled his arms and started forward under heavy artillery bombardment. He delivered the supplies as directed after having passed through the intense hostile counter barrage and aided in saving the lives of many wounded men. His personal courage and utter disregard of danger gave proof of his high soldierly qualities. At St. Baussant on September 12, 1918, he personally and gallantly led a charge on an enemy machine gun which held up the advance of his battalion. He shot and killed the gunner and killed and captured many of the enemy. His splendid valor and coolness were an inspiration to his men and materially assisted in the success of the operation.