Robert M. Vail

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert M. Vail, Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Villette, France, September 5, 1918. During the crossing of the Vesle River Major Vail expedited the construction of bridges by his advice and assistance. He personally cut a passageway through enemy barbed wire along the river and then led his troops through this opening. When the officers of a supporting infantry company had been killed and the men were falling back in confusion. Major Vail kept his forces intact 1,200 yards in front of any infantry support, holding the position until reinforced by an infantry unit.