William O’Neill

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William O’Neill, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the valley of Suippes, France, July 14 – 16, 1918. Wounded by a shell fragment, Sergeant O’Neill returned to his platoon and engaged in hand-to-hand fighting after having his wound dressed. Wounded two days later by a machine-gun bullet, he again returned to the firing line, after receiving first aid, and led a successful charge against an enemy position. His personal heroism was an inspiration to him men. He was killed while consolidating a position his platoon had just taken.