Joseph S. Durr

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph S. Durr, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 23 to September 1, 1918. After several attempts had been made by large groups to take a small position in the woods north of our forces, Corporal Durr volunteered and was given 14 men with instructions to reach and hold the position until relieved. He made an attempt to perform this duty and within a short time five of his men were killed and five wounded. He nevertheless continued with the four remaining men in spite of heavy enemy resistance and succeeded in reaching the objective, holding the position gained for 48 hours. He then reported to his commanding officer and returned to the position with assurance that reinforcements would be furnished. He held the position throughout the night when he again encountered intense enemy machine-gun and shell fire that killed the remaining 4 members of his party. Corporal Durr’s display of extraordinary heroism by holding his position under trying conditions was of great value to his organization.