William O. Pierce

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William O. Pierce, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Very and Eclisfontaine, France, September 26 – 28, 1918. Lieutenant Pierce valiantly led his platoon in the attack on enemy positions before Very and Eclisfontaine. The following day he again led his platoon through ravines and approaches covered by enemy machine-gun fire in the attack on the Bois-de-Baulny. He was killed by enemy fire while leading his men in this attack.