Paul C. Paschal

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Paul C. Paschal, Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Bois d’Aigremont, France, July 15, 1918. During the intense artillery bombardment preceding the German drive of July 15, when the wounded were so numerous that it was impossible to care for them in the dressing stations, Major Paschal voluntarily gave up his dugout for the use of the wounded and exposed himself to the heavy fire for ten hours. After crossing the Marne, this officer placed himself in the front line, in spite of the severe artillery barrage, in order to direct the attack, capturing two strongly fortified farmhouses and advancing his line for a distance of four kilometers. After gaining the position, he remained on duty for two days without food, despite the fact that he had been wounded and gassed.