Richard G. Plumley

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard G. Plumley, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near the Bois-de-Septsarges, France, September 27, to October 10, 1918. On duty as regimental adjutant, Captain Plumley felt a place of safety, and going forward under heavy fire assisted in reforming the assault battalion, which had lost most its officers and was becoming disorganized. During the following days he repeatedly crossed areas which had been subjected to heavy gas bombardments, and as a result became almost blind and greatly weakened by gas poisoning. He refused to be evacuated, however, and remained on duty throughout the night, rendering valuable assistance to the regimental commander, who had just taken command.