Oliver P. Byam

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Oliver P. Byam, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cunel Heights, France, October 11, 1918. Upon his own initiative Lieutenant Byam moved his machine-gun platoon through heavy artillery and machine-gun fire 400 meters in advance of the front line and from there opened fire on the enemy, who was holding up our advance, displaying exceptional bravery in holding this position against several hostile attacks. This officer was later killed by machine-gun fire while leading a patrol to the enemy’s line.