Joseph P. La Jennessee

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph P. La Jennessee, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cunel, France, October 14, 1918. Sergeant La Jennessee retained the command of his platoon after he had received a severe gunshot wound in the leg, maintained the organization of his platoon under heavy fire, and directed it in the overcoming of several machine-gun positions. He consolidated his position on the line held by the company and remained on post 36 hours until ordered evacuated on account of his wound.