James Matthew Hanley
Home Town: Cleveland, OH
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James Matthew Hanley, First Lieutenant (Chaplain), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Villers-sur-Fere, France, July 28, 1918. Leaving his place of safety, Chaplain Hanley voluntarily faced the fire of artillery and machine guns, so that he could administer to the wounded. He disregarded advice of his commanding officer to cease exposing himself, and he remained, giving first aid, comforting, cheering, and hearing confessions of the dying. After he had been severely wounded, he was taken to the rear.
