John H. Church

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Church, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Cantigny, France, May 28 – 31, 1918. Knocked down and rendered unconscious by the explosion of a shell early in the attack, Second Lieutenant Church staggered forward as soon as he regained consciousness and insisted upon resuming command, thereby giving a striking example of fortitude to him men.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) John Huston Church, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 28th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. Second Lieutenant Church although wounded and knocked unconscious by a shell, went forward and resumed command of his platoon and remained with his men until ordered to the rear.