Robert E. L. Kilby

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert E. L. Kilby, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Mihiel, France, September 14, 1918. Private Kilby volunteered to go with his company commander to reconnoiter a German trench before a contemplated advance. They encountered a German officer with seven men in the trench. Private Kilby successfully cleaned the trench and saved his captain’s life by his coolness and exceptional courage.