William T. Coolahan

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William T. Coolahan, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 9, 1918. Private Coolahan exposed himself to heavy machine-gun fire to stand in the middle of the Vesle River and assist the members of his section across the stream. His individual courage was an important factor in enabling his organization to cross the stream and take up a position to cover the crossing of Infantry units.