William R. Peck

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William R. Peck, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Remonville, France, November 1, 1918. Sergeant Peck was advancing with his company across an open field when an enemy machine gun opened fire on them from the right front. The attention of the platoon commander was occupied by the enemy in his front while the enemy on the right flank was directing his gun upon him. Observing that the gunner was aiming directly at Second Lieutenant William S. Holcombe, Sergeant Peck threw himself against the lieutenant, pushing him into a shell hole, thereby saving his life, but exposing himself to the fire of the hostile gun which killed him instantly.