Robert S. Maccormack

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert S. MacCormack, Sergeant Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Hill 378, the Borne-du-Cornouiller, France, November 4, 1918. During an enemy counterattack which resulted in the temporary recapture of the Borne-du- Cornouiller, the enemy swept over the position. Sergeant Major MacCormack and his battalion commander, the later being seriously wounded, were alone in the second line of trenches. Although entirely surrounded by overwhelming numbers of the enemy, Sergeant Major MacCormack gallantly stood his ground, firing his automatic pistol at enemy soldiers until ordered to surrender by his wounded commanding officer. After being captured he assisted the wounded officer to the enemy lines amid terrific artillery fire from his own lines. Ordered by his battalion commander to leave him and seek shelter, he refused, remaining under constant and intense American fire for three hours while assisting the wounded officer to a place of safety. Sergeant Major MacCormack displayed extraordinary heroism under fire and a soldierly devotion to his commanding officer.