James J. Pirtle

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James J. Pirtle, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Bois-du- Fays, France, October 4 – 5, 1918. Throughout the engagement in the Bois-du-Fays Lieutenant Pirtle led his men with absolute disregard for his personal safety. He walked up and down the lines under intense enemy machine-gun and artillery fire, encouraging his men and consolidating his position. His courageous example contributed greatly to the success of the operation in which his organization was engaged. He continued in action until severely wounded in the knee and was carried from the field.