William Murphy

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Murphy, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Villers-sur-Fere, France, July 29, 1918, and in subsequent operations. As a company runner Private First Class Murphy repeatedly crossed open ground swept by rifle and machine-gun fire. He volunteered to carry messages out of turn, and though longer and safer routes were often available, he chose the shortest, exposing himself continually to expedite the delivery of important messages. He displayed equal bravery in subsequent operations. When his platoon leader was mortally wounded he organized a carrying party to take the officer back to the dressing station through heavy shell fire.