John M. Crocker

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John M. Crocker, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 16 & 17, 1918. Maintaining a telephone line between infantry and artillery under a constant artillery barrage, Sergeant Crocker’s courage made possible the launching of artillery fire, which stopped enemy counterattacks. During the action he repaired 30 breaks, his line being so badly cut that he was obliged to use enemy wire for repairing. Because of the intensity of the fire, Sergeant rocker sent his men to a place of safety, remaining alone at the hazardous post.