William C. Stiff

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William C. Stiff, Captain (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fossoy, France, July 14 – 15, 1918. The observation post of his regiment having been destroyed by enemy shellfire and a number of men wounded, Captain Stiff volunteered to go to the aid of the wounded men if a guide were furnished. The offer was declined as it was thought to be too hazardous an undertaking, the entire zone being swept by intense enemy machine-gun and artillery fire. Captain Stiff insisted upon making the attempt, and in company with Corporal Blankenship of the Headquarters Company, started on his mission despite the protests of officers and men acquainted with the terrain. Under terrific enemy fire they made their way to the outpost position, found the wounded men whose wounds they dressed, and led the disabled men to places of shelter.