Willoughby R. Marks

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Willoughby R. Marks, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cunel, France, October 12, 1918. While in command of Company C, 61st Infantry, Lieutenant Marks was severely wounded but continued to lead his company, refusing to be evacuated until the objective was reached and his lines reorganized. About to be evacuated, he learned that an officer of his battalion was mortally wounded and lying exposed to terrific enemy fire in front of the lines. With utter disregard for his own safety he rushed forward to rescue his fellow officer, and in the attempt was struck by enemy high-explosive shellfire and mortally wounded, dying a few minutes later. His undaunted courage and devotion to duty served as a splendid example of soldierly conduct to the men of his command.