Ralph Atkinson

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ralph Atkinson, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Landres et St. Georges, France, October 16, 1918. During the attack on the Cote-de- Chatillon, Sergeant Atkinson, in command of the Stokes Mortar Platoon, together with three other soldiers, was advancing with the first wave of the assault when, on nearing the objective, he discovered about 250 of the enemy forming for a counter attack. At this juncture he and his party advanced with a Stokes mortar, under heavy fire, to a position where he could get a fair field of fire, set up the mortar, and opened a murderous fire on the approaching enemy, dispersing them in every direction. His quick action, good judgment, and leadership undoubtedly not only broke up the enemy counterattack but inflicted severe losses on the enemy. He showed extraordinary heroism and courage at a critical time.