John T. Kibler

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John T. Kibler, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne- a-Arnes, France, October 3 – 4, 1918. Although severely gassed by a gas shell which burst in the trench beside him, Lieutenant Kibler retained command of his company and led it forward in a difficult night attack, penetrating the enemy’s line to a depth of 2 kilometers. Throughout the night he and his men were subjected to a deadly cross fire from enemy machine guns and at daybreak a strong counterattack was launched against him. Heroically leading a small force against the flank of the attacking party, Lieutenant Kibler succeeded in routing a greatly superior force. He courageously continued to lead his men until so weakened by the effects of the gas that he lost consciousness.