Herman G. Paustian

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Herman G. Paustian, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, France, November 7, 1918. Private Paustian advanced ahead of his battalion during a heavy barrage trying to locate a small group of Americans, who had become lost. For two days and nights he carried messages from one shell hole to another, having no food or water during that period. His work was carried on under intense bombardment at all times, but with great courage he remained at his task, killing At least two enemy snipers.