Van Walker Peterson

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Van Walker Peterson, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bois-de-Chaume, France, October 10, 1918. When the company guarding the flank was on the verge of retreating in disorder, Sergeant Peterson avoided the perilous situation by jumping to the front and holding the badly shaken troops in their positions on the line. His quick action during the terrific fire was responsible for the safety of the entire line.