Homer Watkins

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Homer Watkins, Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Juvin, France, October 11 – 17, 1918. On the night of October 11, Major Watkins led his battalion under heavy shell fire and forded the Aire River, taking up an important position protecting the flank. On October 14 and 15 he advanced against strongly held enemy positions, penetrating and capturing numerous prisoners and machine-guns. He was wounded on both days, but he continued on duty until October 17, suffering intense pain, until he was ordered to the rear. His fortitude and bravery furnished an inspiring example to his men.