Walter R. Heffron

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Walter R. Heffron (ASN: 2176373), United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Sergeant Heffron distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 353d Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on 12 September 1918, during the St. Mihiel Offensive, France, and by his brilliant leadership.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter R. Heffron, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Limey, France, September 12, 1918. Prior to the attack Sergeant Heffron saved his platoon from exposure to enemy fire by going out of our trench in the face of the enemy machine-gun barrage and cutting a path through our wire. He then made his way back to his men and led them through this opening. Though the enemy machine-gun fire was intense, he carefully organized his platoon and had it in perfect formation when the command was given to advance. His example of coolness and bravery steadied his men and gave them confidence at the start of their first offensive. He was killed by a shell as he was leading his men across the first enemy trenches.