Martin L. Wheeler

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Martin L. Wheeler, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Conde-en-Brie, France, July 14 – 15, 1918. Although being wounded and refusing medical aid, Lieutenant Wheeler, realizing that his platoon was almost entirely surrounded by the enemy and was suffering heavy losses, ordered his men to crawl one by one through a small opening in the woods that he had just discovered and which was not yet covered by enemy fire. Taking several rifles and ammunition, he placed himself in an advantageous position and covered the withdrawal of his men until he himself was entirely surrounded by the enemy. In so doing, he was again wounded but succeeded in accomplishing his mission. His coolness, courage, and utter disregard of his own personal danger were a source of great inspiration to his men.