Howard H. Fort

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Howard H. Fort, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Exermont, France, October 1 – 12, 1918. Sergeant Fort, then mess sergeant, company L, 28th Infantry, displayed outstanding courage and bravery and exceptional devotion to duty by voluntarily exposing himself daily to intense enemy artillery fire in conducting ration trains and delivering rations to the front-line troops. This duty was performed during nine successive nights under intense and concentrated fire, under untold hazards and difficulties. Sergeant Fort’s indomitable spirit, his devotion to his comrades, and his utter disregard for his own safety greatly inspired the men of his organization and were important factors in the successful operations of this regiment during this engagement.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Howard H. Fort, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 19 – 21, 1918. As mess sergeant, Sergeant Fort established the advance kitchen of the 3rd Battalion of his regiment under direct observation of an enemy balloon and under heavy enemy shellfire. Due to congestion of traffic, the roads being blocked with ammunition trains, the delivery of rations at night was forbidden. Sergeant fort for three successive days, voluntarily led a ration train in daylight in constant exposure to enemy shelling from his kitchen to the troops of the battalion in the front lines, showing splendid devotion to duty and utter disregard for his own safety. His bravery and determined devotion to his comrades inspired them to great endeavors.