James A. Shannon

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James A. Shannon, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Chatel-Chehery, France, October 5 – 6, 1918, Lieutenant Colonel Shannon voluntarily led an officer’s patrol to a depth of three kilometers within the enemy lines. As a result of his exceptional bravery and skill in. leading this patrol in its contact with the enemy, vital information was obtained at a critical period of the battle, to which much of the success of the next few days was due. The information thus secured was followed up by an attack the next morning, which this officer personally led and wherein he was fatally wounded. His superb leadership and personal courage furnished the necessary inspiration to an exhausted command.