William D. Davis
Home Town: Neosho, MO
General Orders No. No. 139, W.D., 1918
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William D. Davis, Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Gesnes, France, September 26 – October 2, 1918. Colonel Davis displayed distinguished gallantry in leading and directing his front line in the four days’ advance on Gesnes and in the four following days, holding the front line under heavy shellfire. During this period his regiment was suffering heavy casualties, but he remained constantly with the front line, encouraging his men by his presence to hold out under this most dangerous and trying condition of warfare. Twice wounded, he remained in command of his regiment throughout the entire action until it was finally relieved on October 12.
