Walter S. Yarbrough

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter S. Yarbrough, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in crossing the Meuse River, France, November 9, 1918. Because of his known courage and leadership Lieutenant Yarbrough was selected to lead a patrol of 15 men which was to cross the Meuse River by swimming in order to gain information and capture prisoners. When the men were in the middle of the river they were fired upon by the enemy and all except six men were compelled to return. Lieutenant Yarbrough with the five remaining men continued the advance. Lieutenant Yarbrough himself succeeded in reaching the enemy side of the river, where a few moments later he made the supreme sacrifice while endeavoring to carry out his mission.