John R. Marchant

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John R. Marchant, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action east of the Meuse River and north of Consenvoye, France, October 11, 1918. While commanding his company in an attack in which he was severely wounded Lieutenant Marchant displayed the highest type of courage and leadership by leading his men until the objective was reached, and then holding it against several severe counterattacks until he was killed. His example of bravery and devotion to duty so inspired his men that although temporarily without a company commander they successfully repulsed the counterattacks and held the line intact at a critical point.