Herbert J. Slingo

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Herbert J. Slingo, First Lieutenant (Signal Corps), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, France, November 6, 1918. Lieutenant Slingo displayed the highest qualities-courage, fearlessness, and leadership-in the handling of his section in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. On November 6, 1918, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, he successfully ran communication lines from headquarters, 1st Infantry Brigade, to the headquarters of the 16th and 18th Infantry Regiments, keeping the brigade commander in constant touch with the commanding officers of these regiments. Arriving at the headquarters of the 18th Infantry and finding a shortage of equipment and men, he personally directed the running of communication lines to the front-line battalion at the imminent risk of his life through heavy shell and machine-gun fire. The lines were successfully laid under most hazardous circumstances, Lieutenant Slingo working all the while under direct observation and shellfire of the enemy. His courageous action at a most trying moment was an inspiration to all and assisted materially in the success of this operation.