William B. Aylward

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William B. Aylward, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Epieds, France, July 23, 1918. Corporal Aylward maintained liaison between the platoons of his company, and, after his platoon commander and sergeant had been shot down, he took command of the platoon, remaining in command until only two men and himself were left alive and unwounded. Although slightly gassed, he remained on duty, rendering first aid and carrying wounded to the First Aid Station until he became so overcome from the effects of the gas, that he had to be evacuated.