William J. Cullen

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William J. Cullen, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2 – 8, 1918. During the advance of his regiment through the Forest of Argonne, France, Lieutenant Cullen led his company, under intense concentration of machine-gun fire, to the day’s objective, steadying his men and directing the organization and entrenchment of his position. During the period in which part of the regiment was cut off by the enemy, he continued to visit his posts and encourage his men under intense concentrations of trench-mortar and machine-gun fire, effectively directing the repulse of attacks on his position. On October 4-5-6 this officer, observing friendly airplanes, left his shelter and went out into a cleared space in plain view of the enemy and under intense machine-gun fire signaled the position to the airplanes. During all this critical time when his company, as well as the battalion, was entirely without food for five days, he displayed coolness, good judgment, and efficiency, furnishing an inspiring example to his men. His gallantry in action contributed materially to the holding of the left flank and the successful resistance made by his battalion.