John P. Kayes

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John P. Kayes, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Meurcy Farm, near Villers-sur-Fere, France, July 30, 1918. Private Kayes, with utter disregard of his own personal danger, was constantly at his commanding officer’s side when he believed him to be in danger, pointing out enemy machine-gun and sniper emplacements, leading detachments to their proper places, and undertaking missions of liaison which he considered too hazardous for others. While advancing to the attack on an enemy position he was severely wounded, being struck by four machine-gun bullets, but refusing to be carried he struggled his way to cover in order that the stretcher bearers would not endanger their lives in the severe enemy machine-gun fire. Private Kayes on October 7, 1918, died as the result of his wounds.