Joseph Pruette

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph Pruette, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action east of Grand Pre, France, October 16, 1918. After a daring dash with his platoon across open ground swept by machine-gun fire, Corporal Pruette saw an enemy machine-gun crew preparing to open fire upon the flank and rear of his position. Single-handed he attacked, using enemy grenades, and drove the crew into a dugout. Bombing the entrance of the dugout, he effected the capture of four German officers, 64 men and four heavy machine-guns. With remarkable gallantry this soldier removed an obstacle that critically threatened a success already gained.