Texas WWI Centennial – Texas World War I Centennial Commemoration

THE LEGACY OF WWI TEXANS — THE ROLL OF HONOR PROJECT

Texas WWI Centennial — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 15:15:27 +0000

With the conclusion of the official WWI Centennial period, the National World War I Roll of Honor provides a way to carry the remembrance of WWI Texans forward for future generations.

Established in collaboration with U.S. WWI Centennial Commission and located on the web at https://www.rollofhonor.org/ww1/, the Roll of Honor Foundation established an online registry of U.S. servicepersons. The site allows former military members and their families to display their military experience, records of achievement and photos in a digital visual biography.

The Roll of Honor also serves as a resource for researchers and individuals studying the genealogy of their WWI ancestors. There are currently 4 million WWI service member profiles accessible on Roll of Honor, created from national, state, and local WWI service records. Based on the various records available, these individual profiles include service dates, unit insignia, assignments, and awards received. Researchers can also register on the site and create profiles for individual soldiers, sailors, and marines not yet profiled, or add information to existing profiles.

Daniel R. Edwards Roll of Honor profile. Edwards was one of four Texans to receive the Medal of Honor for actions during WWI.

“This is an opportunity to carry forward the remembrance of Texans who served in the Great War beyond the Centennial period,” according to Jim Hodgson, Co-Director of the Texas WWI Centennial Commemoration. “If you have a WWI ancestor, adding their name and information to the National WWI Roll of Honor is a way to preserve their legacy.”

The National WWI Roll of Honor is a non-profit organization working in partnership with the United States World War One Centennial Commission. Free to the public, the site also provides an opportunity to contribute to the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. (https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/). Design, site selection, and local approvals have been completed for the Memorial.

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The Armistice Centennial: Events Around Texas November 9-11

Texas WWI Centennial — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 03:21:54 +0000

The origin of Veterans Day is tied closely to World War I. Prior to the Great War, Americans typically remembered our war dead on Decoration Day (now Memorial Day). The end of the fighting in WWI, negotiated by the warring powers, was set to begin at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day or the 11^th month. The war the took between 10 million and 20 million lives ceased. November 11th would be remembered and commemorated, initially as Armistice Day and later as Veterans Day.

The WWI Centennial will continue through June 2019 (the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles), but the centennial of Armistice Day is understandably a seminal event. In 1918, soldiers and citizens alike prayed, celebrated, and “stood down” from the war effort. Significant events will take place in Europe, around the United States, and in Texas. Here are some of the notable events in Texas scheduled for November 9-11, 2018. See TXWWICC calendar for the full list of Texas WWI Centennial events and ongoing museum exhibits not shown here.

Friday, November 9

San Antonio Commemoration Ceremony/Recognition of Medal of Honor recipient David Barkley. San Antonio National Cemetery. San Antonio. 10:00am.
University Hospital Veterans Day / WWI Centennial Service. San Antonio. 10:00am.
100 Years / 100 Schools. State-wide; various schools. 7:30am.

Saturday, November 10

Wings & Wheels Fly-In. Operating replica WWI aircraft, reenactors, exhibits. Old Kingsbury Aerodrome, Kingsbury. 9:00am.
Edgewood Heritage Festival and WWI Centennial Observance. Edgewood. 9:00am.
Veterans Day Ceremony / Recognition of 36^th and 90^th Division in WWI. Includes a parade, military band, and guest speakers. Leagueville Baptist Church and Cemetery. 10:00am.
Tarrant County Veterans Day Parade. Fort Worth. 11:00am.
Remember Me – The Legacy of the Great War. North Texas WWI Centennial Commemoration. Exhibit opening. Fort Worth.
Armistice Day 1918-2018. Museum of the American G.I. Exhibits and reenactment. College Station. 9:30am.

Sunday, November 11

Austin Veterans Day Parade & Memorial Ceremony. 9:00am.
Remembrance and Bell Tolling. St. Mary’s University bell tower. San Antonio. 10:45am.
The Bells of Peace. Part of the nationwide tolling of bells in remembrance on the 11^th hour of the 11^th Day of the 11^th Statewide; individuals, groups, municipalities, and churches. 11:00am.
Veterans Day Ceremony at the University of Texas (Memorial Stadium). Austin. 11:00am.
Gillespie County Veterans Day Parade and WWI Centennial Commemoration. 2:00pm.
Rockwall County Commemoration. Rockwall. 2:00pm.
Armistice Day 1918-2018. Museum of the American G.I. Exhibits and reenactment. College Station. 9:30am.
Blessed are the Peacemakers: Voices of Peace. San Antonio Choral Society. San Antonio. 3:30pm.

Spring 1919 would see the return of fighting men and women from France to their hometowns around Texas. Other American troops would be tasked to occupy parts of Germany until later in the year. Communities and individual soldiers would cope with the process of reintegration into civilian life. Texas would be part of the first modern effort to assist those with permanent war disabilities with job training programs. This transition would take place in a state and a nation on the edge of dramatic social and technological changes – prohibition, the vote for women, and the first efforts for equality of all races.

Photo: FT-17 tank in downtown Denton, Texas, 1918 (UNT Portal to Texas History), apparently part of a public exhibition or war bond drive.

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The War to End All Wars: 100 Years Later, Three Things You Can Do Between Now and November 11 to Commemorate

Texas WWI Centennial — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 04:12:18 +0000

From August through November of 1918, Texans were fully engaged in the Great War. Nearly 200, 000 were in uniform, many of them fighting in France. Over 5,100 would not return. They came from every community; from big cities and small towns. They were of all races, religions, and ethnicities. The majority were men, but Texas women also served in France as nurses, telephone switchboard operators, and with service organizations. At home, citizens conserved resources and helped provide for soldiers in training and at the front. One-hundred years ago, Texans sacrificed all. Want to participate in the Texas WWI Centennial Commemoration? Here are three actions you can take:

100 Years / 100 Schools. This program (a collaboration with the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas State Historical Association) encourages schools around Texas to incorporate commemoration of Texas and Texans in WWI as part of their 2018 Veterans Day events. Educating our youngest citizens about the significance of WWI is the goal of this program. Teaching resources are available free of charge to any school. We need your help reaching out to ask schools in your community to register and participate during their Veterans Day assemblies and events. Ask school administrators and teachers to register for the program.

The Bells of Peace. As part of a nation-wide effort orchestrated by the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission, ask every house of worship in your area to toll their bells at 11:00 a.m. local time on November 11, 2018. This was the exact hour 100 years ago when the armistice took effect and all fighting ceased. In 1918, bells rang out across the United States on the “11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month” to mark the end of the fighting. The Bells of Peace will serve as a remembrance of those lost in the war. Register to participate.

Recognize those who served. Take action to identify those who served in your organization, community, or family. Organize a plan – big or small — to recognize their sacrifice on (or around) November 11, 2018. Many communities are already planning for gravesite services at local cemeteries, Veterans Day parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, or similar commemorations. Various online resources can help you identify these individuals and places, including Texas Service Record Cards, valor award recipients, and WWI training camps near you. Additional ideas for WWI Centennial commemoration activities are also available here.

The Texas World War I Centennial Commemoration (TXWWICC) is a non-profit organization. Our mission is to communicate, coordinate and commemorate. As part of the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission effort, the TXWWICC began the commemoration in April 2017 (U.S. entry in the war) and will continue through June 2019 (signing of the Treaty of Versailles). Events open to the public can be added to our calendar of events. Organizations are also encouraged to use the TXWWICC emblem on promotional materials for their event by contacting us at WWICC.TX@gmail.com.

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Heroes in our Midst: Finding the WWI Texans Honored for “Extraordinary Valor” from Your City of Town

Texas WWI Centennial — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 20:12:32 +0000

As the Great War claimed millions in the fighting between 1914 and 1918, all sides were stretched to the breaking point in terms of manpower and materials. America was seen as a critical resource, and both the enemy and our allies knew that the vast number of fresh, if inexperienced, U.S. soldiers could turn the tide in 1918. Nearly 200,000 Texans would serve in uniform in 1917-18 and more than 5,100 would die during the war.

The 100^th anniversary of Armistice Day — November 11, 2018 – provides an opportunity to remember Texans who when above and beyond the call of duty, and to commemoratie their valor and sacrifice. To help do that, we’ve prepared our list of Texans who received one (or more) of the three highest military valor awards; the Medal of Honor (4), the Distinguished Service Cross (135), or the Navy Cross (19). To help organizations and communities identify their local heroes, we’ve compiled the key elements of information in one place;

Name
Rank
Military organization
Date(s) of the valorous action
Their Texas birthplace or hometown

Located on our shared drive resource center, the list is free and available for use. Prepared in Excel, the it can be easily reorganized to show all recipients by their Texas home town. The city with the most recipients of senior awards for valor was El Paso (12), followed by San Antonio (9) and Fort Worth (7). Please credit Texas WWI Centennial Commemoration. Let us know if you are planning a commemoration event we can help publicize on our calendar of events or our Facebook page. Corrections or additional information on these heroes? Let us know at WWICC.TX@gmail.com.

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WWI NAVY CROSS: 19 TEXAS MARINES WHO WERE RECOGNIZED FOR VALOR

Texas WWI Centennial — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 03:22:37 +0000

The Navy Cross is the United States military’s second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat. For actions in WWI, 19 U.S. Marines from Texas (place of birth and/or listed hometown) received the Navy Cross for their heroic actions. Percy Duryea Cornell was twice awarded the medal for separate actions. Three were awarded posthumously. Approximately 10% of U.S. Marine Corps citations contain not place of birth or hometown. John W. Thomason was one example shown on our list who was not listed with a place of birth or home town (we included him since his known home town was Huntsville, Texas). See our Google Drives shared drive resource and our list of all Texas senior valor awards (Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and Navy Cross).

The Navy Cross was established by Act of Congress (Public Law 65-253) and approved on February 4, 1919 retroactive to 6 April 1917 and is awarded primarily to a members of the United States Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Coast Guard (when operating under the Department of the Navy) for extraordinary heroism. Originally, the Navy Cross was lower in precedence than the Medal of Honor and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, because it was awarded for both combat heroism and for “other distinguished service”, retroactive to 6 April 1917. In some cases during WWI, Marines and Sailors were awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy Cross for the same action (most DSC’s were later converted to Navy Cross awards). The U.S. Navy awarded 1,298 Navy Crosses during WWI. Navy citations very rarely note the home town of the recipient. Consequently, no Texas sailors are shown here. Additionally, the Navy awarded the medal for a wide spectrum of circumstances, from administrative duties critical to the war, rescue operations, mine clearing, the influenza epidemic, and clearly heroic actions in direct combat situations.

BOS, LAMBERT
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
78th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 3, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Lambert Bos, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 78th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Blanc Mont Ridge, France, October 3, 1918. Private Bos, with two other volunteers, flanked a machine-gun nest and, after one of his comrades had been wounded, captured fourteen men and two machine guns. Later, he aided in the capture of forty other prisoners in a dugout.
Born: at El Paso, Texas
Home Town: Granite, Idaho
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

BRUMMETT, JAMES R.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
81st Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12 – 16, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to James R. Brummett, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 81st Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Thiaucourt, France, September 12 – 16, 1918. By effective use of an automatic rifle, Private Brummett defended the left flank of his platoon, thereby preventing the enemy from reaching the rear of his lines. On several other occasions, he volunteered and carried messages through terrific bombardment.
Born: at Wilmer, Texas
Home Town: Dime Box, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

*BUFORD, DAVID L.
Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
55th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 13, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to David L. Buford, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 55th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, June 13, 1918. After being wounded Sergeant Buford, with exceptional courage, continued to lead his section forward against a machine-gun nest, and captured it.
70/1919
Born: at Taylor, Arkansas
Home Town: Frankston, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

CHATMAN, GROVER M.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
75th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 15, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Grover M. Chatman, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 75th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Thiaucourt, France, September 15, 1918. While his platoon was occupying an outpost line in close proximity to the enemy, Private Chatman voluntarily crossed an open space swept by machine-gun fire and overcame three snipers who had been harassing his platoon.
Born: at Austin, Texas
Home Town: San Antonio, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

CORNELL, PERCY DURYEA
(First Award)
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Percy Duryea Cornell, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, October 4, 1918. Captain Cornell courageously led his company through heavy artillery and machine-gun fire in the attack on a strongly defended enemy position. His company held the exposed flank and later, when the battalion withdrew, he skillfully covered the other shifting units while exposed to heavy enemy fire.
Born: at New York, New York
Home Town: Galveston, Texas
Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (WWI), DSC (WWI)

CORNELL, PERCY DURYEA
(Second Award)
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Synopsis:
The Navy Cross is presented to Percy Duryea Cornell, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action on July 18, 1918, near Soissons, France.
Born: at New York, New York
Home Town: Galveston, Texas

*DUNLAVY, HERBERT D.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
96th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Herbert D. Dunlavy, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 96th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Bouresches, France, June 6, 1918. Private Dunlavy showed conspicuous courage in capturing a machine gun unassisted during the street fighting. He was killed in the repulse of the enemy on the night of June 7 – 8, 1918.
Born: at Richmond, Texas
Home Town: Houston, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

FEIGLE, WILLIAM M.
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Headquarters Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 10, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to William M. Feigle, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Headquarters Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Beaumont, France, November 10, 1918. When an ammunition train was passing through a town, one of the trucks was struck by a shell and set on fire. The blazing truck was abandoned and, knowing that it soon would explode and kill all those in the vicinity, Sergeant Feigle jumped on the truck and drove it to the outskirts of the town, thereby saving the lives of at least thirty-five people.
Born: at Galveston, Texas
Home Town: Galveston, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

FLETCHER, HARRY BENTON
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
79th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Harry Benton Fletcher, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 79th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the capture of Bouresches, France, June 6, 1918. After being severely wounded, Corporal Fletcher refused to go to the rear for treatment, but remained at his post and urged on his men to renewed efforts.
Born: at Greenville, Texas
Home Town: Albion, California
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

HART, JACK S.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 15, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Jack S. Hart, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Thiaucourt, France, September 15, 1918. Acting as company commander, Lieutenant Hart advanced with the first wave of infantry to locate favorable positions for his guns. He discovered an enemy machine-gun which he alone attacked, and although severely wounded, succeeded in capturing the gun and taking the crew prisoners.
Born: at Weatherford, Texas
Home Town: Weatherford, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

JOHNSON, GILLIS AUGUSTUS
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Gillis Augustus Johnson, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, October 4, 1918. Second Lieutenant Johnson volunteered and led an attack upon enemy machine-gun positions under intense machine-gun fire and artillery barrage, and although severely wounded in the leg, succeeded in cleaning out several machine-gun nests, capturing guns and a number of prisoners.
Born: at Fort Worth, Texas
Home Town: Fort Worth, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

JORDAN, JACK
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
8th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Jack Jordan, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 8th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, October 4, 1918. After all the other members of their crews had become casualties, Corporal Jordan and another soldier advanced with their gun through heavy artillery and machine-gun fire to an advanced position and put up their gun in action in support of Infantry. They remained in this position after the Infantry had retired and until their ammunition was exhausted.
Born: at Rockwall, Texas
Home Town: Tullia, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

LEE, WILL H.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
43d Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Will H. Lee, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 43d Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Blanc Mont, France, October 4, 1918. During an advance of his company, Corporal Lee volunteered to carry a wounded comrade to a place of safety through hostile machine-gun fire. He later brought a wounded soldier from “No Man’s Land” through a heavy machine-gun and artillery barrage.
Born: at Yoakum, Texas
Home Town: Fort Worth, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

*LINDSEY, CLINTON S.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
82d Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Clinton S. Lindsey, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 82d Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the Bois- de-Belleau, France, on June 6, 1918. Private Lindsey displayed commendable gallantry when he voluntarily sought permission to leave shelter and, at great exposure to himself, rescued a helpless wounded officer from an open field. He was killed in action June 8, 1918.
Born: at Bertram, Texas
Home Town: San Marcos, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

MOORE, WILLIAM B.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
91st Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to William B. Moore, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 91st Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Bouresches, France, June 6, 1918. Second Lieutenant Moore volunteered and took a truck load of ammunition and material into Bouresches, France, over a road swept by artillery and machine-gun fire, thereby relieving a critical situation.
Born: at Waco, Texas
Home Town: New York, New York
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

RYAN, JOHN EDWARD
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
18th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John Edward Ryan, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 18th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, October 4, 1918. Corporal Ryan requested and obtained permission to lead his company’s advance. In performing this task, and providing for the safety of his men, Corporal Ryan fell, wounded through the leg.
Born: at Galveston, Texas
Home Town: Galveston, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

SHEAFF, DONALD RAMSAY
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
80th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Donald Ramsay Sheaff, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 80th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, on June 6, 1918. In delivering messages, Corporal Sheaff voluntarily chose the most direct route, although it was through a machine-gun barrage, to deliver information which prevented the bombardment of positions that had just been occupied. He took the path of danger to save his comrades.
Born: at Colorado, Texas
Home Town: Colorado, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

SHEPHERD, ROYAL HAMILTON CLATER
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
95th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 19, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Royal Hamilton Clater Shepherd, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 95th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Tigny, France, July 19, 1918. Private Shepherd entered the action with badly burned foot, which fact he concealed from his officers. Shot through the shoulder early in the advance and unable to hold his position in the firing line, he carried wounded men to shelter for six hours, all of the time under heavy fire of the enemy. He yielded to treatment himself only when he had become exhausted from the effects of his injury.
Born: at Oaklawn, Illinois
Home Town: Houston, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

THOMASON, JOHN W., JR.
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
49th Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John W. Thomason, Jr., Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 49th Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in the Battle of Soissons. When a German machine gun nest held up a Marine advance on July 18, 1918, Major (then Second Lieutenant) Thomason and one of his men fearlessly advanced on the position and killed thirteen of the enemy.

Home town: Huntsville, TX

WORRELL, JOHN M.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
97th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John M. Worrell, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 97th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Bouresches, France, on June 6, 1918. Private Worrell voluntarily obtained permission to leave shelter and fearlessly went into heavy fire in order to rescue wounded from a field, then under artillery and machine-gun bombardment, continuing his heroic work until he was himself wounded.
Born: at Sweet Water, Alabama
Home Town: Colorado, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)

Sources

Department of Defense. Army Distinguished Service Cross Recipients. https://valor.defense.gov/Recipients/Marine-Corps-Navy-Cross-Recipients/. Accessed 6/30/18.

HomeOfHeroes.com. 2115 West 13th Street – Pueblo, CO 81003. http://www.homeofheroes.com/members/02_NX/ncross_list.html. Accessed 1/17/18.

Wall of Valor Project. https://valor.militarytimes.com/conflict/2. Accessed 6/30/18.

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EXTREME GALLENTRY IN COMBAT: 135 WWI TEXAS SOLDIERS WHO WERE AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

Texas WWI Centennial — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 16:52:42 +0000

The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is awarded to members of the United States Army for extreme gallantry in combat. The DSC is the second highest military award for valor, ranking only below the Medal of Honor. The award was established by President Woodrow Wilson on January 2, 1918 on the recommendation of General Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Forces in France.

For their actions during World War I, 6,309 awards of the Distinguished Service Cross were made to 6,185 recipients. In addition to the U.S. Army soldiers (including members of the National Guard), 30 Marines serving with units attached to the U.S. Army were also awarded the DSC, as well as 31 sailors (many serving with the Marines in medical positions). In some cases, Marines and Sailors were awarded the Navy Cross for the same action recognized by their DSC. Several dozen Army soldiers, as well as eight Marines and two French Army officers, received two Distinguished Service Crosses. Several pilots of the Army Air Service received multiple DSC awards. Daniel R. Edwards was also awarded the Medal of Honor for a later action. Colonel John H. Parker, the commander of the 102nd Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, was the only ground soldier in World War I to receive four Distinguished Service Crosses.

Based on their listed home town in U.S. Army records, 135 Texas soldiers earned the Distinguished Service Cross. Thirty-two were awarded the medal posthumously and their names are proceeded by an asterisk. Their name, rank, unit, date of action, and short citation for each Texan is listed below. See our Google Drives shared drive resource and our list of all Texas senior valor awards (Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and Navy Cross).

Daniel R. Edwards wearing the Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross

A (7)

ABBOTT, ROBERT L
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company B, 3d Supply Train, 3d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: May 31 to June 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert L Abbott, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Chateau- Thierry, France, May 31 to June 4, 1918. Wounded in the hand by a bursting shell, he voluntarily drove a motorcycle, carrying messages and information to and from French and other headquarters. He was without sleep for 36 hours and constantly passed through hostile machine-gun and shell fire.
General Orders No. No. 132, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Sherman, TX

ADAMS, HARRY J.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company K, 353d Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12 – 13, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harry J. Adams, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Bouillonville, France, September 12-13, 1918. Sergeant Adams followed a retreating German into a house in the town of Bouillonville and, ascertaining that the enemy had entered a dugout, fired the remaining two shots in his pistol through the door and ordered the surrender of the occupants. By his bravery, coolness, and confidence he captured single-handed approximately 300 prisoners, including seven officers.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Sweetwater, TX

ANDERSON, PAUL H.
Private, U.S. Army
Company G, 360th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Paul H. Anderson, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Le Grand Carre Farm, France, November 1, 1918. After being severely wounded early in the combat, Private Anderson went on two missions for his battalion commander which necessitated his passing through heavy machine-gun fire, not mentioning the fact that he had been wounded.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: El Paso, TX

*ARMIJO, MARCOS B.
Private, U.S. Army
Company C, 125th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 5, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Marcos B. Armijo, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action north of Mont St. Martin, south of the Vesle River, near Fismes, France, August 5, 1918. While his company was under a heavy barrage fire, Private Armijo was hit by a shell and both his legs blown off. Private Armijo lifted himself up on his elbow and rolled and smoked cigarettes. By this display of nerve he conveyed to his comrades an unconquerable spirit of fearlessness, pluck, and will power.
General Orders No. No. 116, W.D., 1918
Home Town: El Paso, TX

*ARMISTEAD, JOSEPH G.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 6th Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 14, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph G. Armistead, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Thiaucourt, France, September 14, 1918. After his Stokes Mortar had been destroyed by enemy shell fire and the officer in charge severely wounded, Corporal Armistead formed his squad as riflemen and led them forward against a machine-gun nest which was firing on our line from the flank. In attempting this bold feat, Corporal Armistead was killed.
General Orders 87, W.D., 1919
Home Town: San Antonio, TX

ASHBURN, ISAAC S.
Major, U.S. Army
358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Isaac S. Ashburn, Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fey-en-Haye, France, during the attack on the St. Mihiel Salient, September 12, 1918. After being practically paralyzed for more than an hour from a wound in the neck, Major Ashburn resumed command of his battalion and continued to lead it with exceptional daring and effect until he was incapacitated by a second wound two days later.
General Orders No. No. 128, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Greenville, TX

ATKINS, MOSES D.
Captain, U.S. Army
353d Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12 – 13, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Moses D. Atkins, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Mihiel, France, September 12 – 13, 1918. Though he was wounded at the outset of the attack, Captain Atkins continued to lead his company with skill and entire disregard of danger, until during the attack on Thiaucourt when he was wounded a second time so severely that he was unable to proceed.
General Orders 70, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Galveston, TX

B (14)

BARLOW, CLYDE
Private, U.S. Army
Company A, 9th Machine-Gun Battalion, 3d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clyde Barlow, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action during action near Cierges, France, October 9, 1918. Private Barlow exposed himself to artillery and direct machine-gun fire while going 300 yards in advance of our front lines to render first aid to a wounded soldier, whom he carried to shelter with the assistance of a comrade.
General Orders No. No. 2, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Town Bluff, TX

BARROW, CHARLES L.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
120th Machine-Gun Battalion, 42d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 30 & 31, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles L. Barrow, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for Extraordinary heroism in action northeast of Chateau-Thierry, France, July 30 & 31, 1918. Acting as leader of a platoon, First Lieutenant Barrow stimulated his men by his heroic conduct to success until incapacitated by a second wound.
General Orders No. No. 4, W.D., 1927
Home Town: Austin, TX

BARTON, THOMAS D.
Captain, U.S. Army
142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8 – 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas D. Barton, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8 – 10, 1918. Captain Barton advanced his company against a strongly fortified enemy position, and succeeded in capturing the enemy works, together with twenty machine guns and ninety prisoners. After he had lost all his company officers and sustained many casualties in his command, Captain Barton again moved forward through an intense barrage, and established the most advanced position of the first day of the battle.
General Orders 81, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Saint Joe, TX

BELL, GLENN A.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company D, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Glenn A. Bell, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Villers- devant-Dun, France, November 2, 1918. Corporal Bell was wounded in the arm by machine-gun fire, but in spite of his injury continued , to lead his squad and assisted in taking several machine-gun nests.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Barry, TX

BENNETT, HARRY L., JR.
Captain, U.S. Army
26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harry L. Bennett, Jr., Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Soissons, France, July 18, 1918. Being in command of a regimental train and having been instructed to deliver medical supplies at all costs to the advance first-aid station, and after all means of transportation had failed, Captain Bennett secured a wheel litter which he packed with medical supplies, then filled his arms and started forward under heavy artillery bombardment. He delivered the supplies as directed after having passed through the intense hostile counter barrage and aided in saving the lives of many wounded men. His personal courage and utter disregard of danger gave proof of his high soldierly qualities. At St. Baussant on September 12, 1918, he personally and gallantly led a charge on an enemy machine gun which held up the advance of his battalion. He shot and killed the gunner and killed and captured many of the enemy. His splendid valor and coolness were an inspiration to his men and materially assisted in the success of the operation.
General Orders No. No. 56, W.D., 1922
Home Town: Houston, TX

BLEWETT, CHARLES H.
Private, U.S. Army
Company A, 9th Machine-Gun Battalion, 3d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 14 – 20, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles H. Blewett, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Moulins, France, July 14 – 20, 1918. After being wounded in the arm by shrapnel, Private Bluett continued on duty with his platoon until he was relieved four days later. He then joined another platoon, going back to the line, and remained in action until the condition of his wound necessitated his evacuation.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Richardson, TX

BOGGS, ERNEST H.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company M, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ernest H. Boggs, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. After his company had made an attack and had taken up a new position, Corporal Boggs rendered great assistance in the reorganization of the new position. He was seriously wounded while in the performance of this work, but refused to go to the rear because it might weaken the position.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Pilot Point, TX

*BOZARTH, LOUIS
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company F, 315th Supply Train, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Louis Bozarth, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Madeleine Farm, France, November 8, 1918. While driving a supply train truck Corporal Bozarth was severely wounded in the left leg by fragment of an enemy high-explosive shell and the truck was badly damaged by shellfire. Assisted by his helper, he made temporary repairs and drove the truck to its destination. He later died as a result of the wounds received.
General Orders No. 60, W.D., 1920
Home Town: El Paso, TX

BROWN, LESLIE W.
Captain, U.S. Army
Company E, 360th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Leslie W. Brown, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Le Grande Carre Ferme, France, November 1, 1918. While advancing through a violent counterbarrage, a shell struck in the midst of the company headquarters group, practically annihilating it and wounding Captain Brown to such an extent that he lay for a time unconscious. When revived he effected a reorganization of his company and continued the advance. Shortly thereafter he was wounded a second time but refused to be evacuated, remaining with his command through two days and nights of severe fighting. The personal example of fearlessness displayed by Captain Brown inspired his men and those of neighboring units and contributed materially to the success of the operations.
General Orders No. No. 6, W.D., 1930
Home Town: Mathis, TX

BRUCE, ANDREW D.
Major, U.S. Army
4th Machine-Gun Battalion, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 17 – 18 & October 3 – 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Andrew D. Bruce, Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Vierzy, France, July 17 – 18, 1918, and near Blanc Mont October 3 – 4, 1918. On the night of July 17-18, Major Bruce made a personal reconnaissance ahead of his troops through heavy flanking machine-gun fire. He pushed forward to the outpost lines through heavy artillery and machine-gun fire to keep in touch with all his company. On October 3-4 he made a personal reconnaissance on the left flank of his division through heavy shell fire and continual sniping and gained information which enabled him to well place his battalion and cover an exposed flank.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Home Town: San Antonio, TX

BUCHANAN, ALFRED
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company G, 360th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alfred Buchanan, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Le Grand Carre Farm, France, November 1, 1918. After being severely wounded early in action Sergeant Buchanan had his wound dressed and started to rejoin his platoon, but passed through a gap in our lines and reached the German lines instead. He returned from there, located his platoon and led it with marked courage and coolness until he was severely wounded the second time.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Bryan, TX

BUCK, BEAUMONT B.
Brigadier General, U.S. Army
Commanding General, 2d Infantry Brigade, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 21, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Beaumont B. Buck, Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action before and during the attack of Berzy-le-Sec, France, July 21, 1918. Brigadier General Buck displayed conspicuous gallantry and heroic leadership of his command. When most of the officers of his brigade had fallen, General Buck, with contempt of personal danger, in spite of heavy artillery bombardment and machine-gun fire, traversed the front of his advancing forces, gave correct directions to his organization commanders and led the first wave of the culminating attack which stormed and captured the town.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Hillsboro, TX

BURNETT, CLIFTON
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Brigade, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clifton Burnett, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Montrefagne, France, October 9, 1918. On October 9, Sergeant Burnett volunteered and established liaison between battalion commanders and brigade headquarters, under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. On the same day he twice volunteered and carried messages and acting as guide across fields subjected to shell and machine-gun fire. He repeatedly repaired telephone wires when no lineman were available and continued this work through shell fire and gas bombardment, although four of the men working with him were wounded.
General Orders 81, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Pilgrim, TX

BUTCHER, THOMAS W.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company C, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas W. Butcher, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Villers-devant-Dun, France, November 2, 1918. Having been wounded in the back by a machine-gun bullet, Corporal Butcher led his squad through heavy machine-gun fire, capturing three guns and capturing or killing all of the crews.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Fort Worth, TX

C (12)

CARLSON, EARNEST A.
Corporal, U.S. Army
4th Regimental Section – Company C, 9th Field Battalion (Signal Corps), 5th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 22, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Earnest A. Carlson, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Bois-de-Rappes, France, October 22, 1918. Although he was almost exhausted from gas and fatigue, Corporal Carlson remained on duty throughout the day and night, laying telephone lines from the regimental relay station to the front lines through heavy barrage fire from artillery and machine guns.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Houston, TX

*CARRIGAN, ALFRED H.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alfred H. Carrigan, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. After he had led his men through the wire and obtained cover, Lieutenant Carrigan saw one of his men wounded and entangled in the wire. He left cover under heavy fire to bring this man to safety. As he was helping him out of the wire he was shot in the neck by a machine-gun bullet.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Wichita Falls, TX

COATS, LORENZA C.
Private, U.S. Army
Company A, 56th Infantry Regiment, 7th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 9 – November 11, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Lorenza C. Coats, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Rembercourt, France, October 9 – November 11, 1918. As company and platoon runner, Private Coats worked tirelessly, being on duty almost constantly both day and night, and carrying numerous messages, under enemy machine-gun and artillery fire.
General Orders 78, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Winnsboro, TX

COLE, CHARLES EDWARD
Private, U.S. Army
Company F, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles Edward Cole, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bourrut, France, November 1, 1918. Under heavy machine-gun fire Private Cole organized two broken platoons and guided them into position. Through two days of strong operation he acted as runner, carrying messages to the front, and returning with valuable information, at all times exposed to severe shell and machine-gun fire.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Dallas, TX

COLLEY, THOMAS M.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Company A, 308th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 6, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas M. Colley, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Stonne, France, November 6, 1918. Though wounded, Lieutenant Colley voluntarily went through shell fire and gave first aid to the wounded members of his platoon, thereby receiving additional wounds.
General Orders No. 35, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Mart, TX

COLLIER, CLIVE C.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company D, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1 & 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clive C. Collier, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Villers-devant-Dun, France, November 1 & 2, 1918. Corporal Collier courageously led his squad through heavy machine-gun and artillery fire and drove off several machine-gun crews. The next day after being wounded by fire from a heavy Maxim gun, he continued the advance, captured the gun, killed one of the crew, and took two prisoners.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Waxahachie, TX

COLLINS, PATRICK
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
167th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 31, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Patrick Collins, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Sergy, France, July 31, 1918. Being informed that a wounded man was lying in “No Man’s Land”. Lieutenant Collins (then sergeant) immediately volunteered and, with Private Pitts, went to his aid. The intense fire of the enemy necessitated crawling the entire distance. While on the return trip the wounded man was hit by a machine-gun bullet and instantly killed, but these two men brought in the dead body, crawling with great difficulty over the shell-torn ground.
General Orders No. 23, W.D., 1919
Home Town: El Paso, TX

COOKSEY, THOMAS LARKIN
Sergeant, U.S. Army
315th Train Headquarters & Military Police, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 5, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas Larkin Cooksey, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cantigny-Devant-Sassey, France, November 5, 1918. During a very heavy attack in the vicinity of his post, where artillery fire and aircraft machine-gun fire had created a most confusing situation, Sergeant Cooksey calmly directed traffic, aided wounded, and removed obstructions, thereby preventing wild disorder. He assisted the drivers of ammunition trucks getting their machines to places of safety.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Lamesa, TX

*COOPER, JAMES A.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
3d Machine-Gun Battalion, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18 – 19, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James A. Cooper, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action between Berzy-le-Sec and Soissons, France, July 18 – 19, 1918. Second Lieutenant Cooper’s leadership under fire was distinguished by heroic conduct and the prompt utilization of every advantage. Through his fearlessness, devotion to duty, and while leading the men forward on the second day he was killed.
General Orders No. 99, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Hale Center, TX

COURTNEY, ARTHUR M.
Private, U.S. Army
Company D, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur M. Courtney, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near La Fontaine au Croncq Farm, France, November 4, 1918. Private Courtney, a stretcher bearer, displayed exceptional gallantry in continuing to remove wounded from a field swept by machine-gun fire of such intensity that five of his associates were killed and two others wounded.
General Orders 78, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Friday, TX

CRAWFORD, WILLIAM B.
Captain, U.S. Army
370th Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William B. Crawford, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Ferme- de-la-Riviere, France, September 30, 1918. Having been placed in command of Company L, whose task it was to lead the advance in an attack, the same undertaking having failed the day previous, Captain Crawford, in order to assure the success of the attack, personally led the advanced element of his company in the face of heavy fire. The objective was successfully carried, due to Captain Crawford’s gallant conduct.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Denison, TX

*CURTIS, WILL C.
Private, U.S. Army
Company M, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Will C. Curtis, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. While passing through a heavy enemy barrage Private Curtis was mortally wounded, but continued to advance, encouraging his comrades to follow him. His example of courage and fearlessness gave confidence to his comrades and the advance was successful. He later died of his wounds.
General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Krum, TX

D (5)

DALLAS, FRED W.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 360th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Fred W. Dallas, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near the Bois-de-Argonne, France, November 2, 1918. Although his arm was shattered by a machine-gun bullet, Corporal Dallas refused to go to the rear, but continued to advance under extremely heavy machine-gun fire until he received two more wounds, one piercing his leg and making it impossible for him to advance further. While crawling to the rear he encountered another wounded man, and assisted him to the dressing station.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Beaumont, TX

*DANYSCH, STEVE G.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
4th Machine-Gun Battalion, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 19, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Steve G. Danysch, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action south of Soissons, France, July 19, 1918. Having received a severe wound in the head, Sergeant Danysch refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his platoon with great bravery until he fell unconscious. He died from his wounds several days later.
General Orders No. No. 132, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Westoff, TX

*DEGGS, GEORGE
Private, U.S. Army
Company E, 56th Infantry Regiment, 7th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George Deggs, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Preny, France, November 2, 1918. During an enemy counterattack the dugout in which Private Deggs and his companions were taking shelter was surrounded by a group of the enemy, who were demanding surrender. Jumping to the fire step, and with the aid of a rifle, Private Deggs killed four of the enemy and caused the rest to flee in confusion.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Benford, TX

DOOGS, JOHN A.
Private, U.S. Army
Company C, 2d Engineers, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John A. Doogs, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Medeah Ferme, France, October 9, 1918. Crawling forward under heavy machine-gun fire, Private Doogs assisted in bringing a wounded comrade to safety.
General Orders No. 23, W.D., 1919
Home Town: St. Francis, TX

DREBEN, SAM
First Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company A, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Sam Dreben, First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. Sergeant Dreben discovered a party of German troops going to the support of a machine-gun nest situated in a pocket near where the French and American lines joined. Sergeant Dreben called for volunteers and, with the aid of about 30 men, rushed the German positions, captured four machine-guns, killed more than 40 of the enemy, captured two, and returned to our lines without the loss of a man.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: El Paso, TX

E (2)

EDWARDS, DANIEL R.
Private, U.S. Army
Company C, 3d Machine-Gun Battalion, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: May 28 – 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Daniel R. Edwards, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Cantigny, France, may 28 – 30, 1918. Serving as gunner of his machine-gun squad Private Edwards advanced with the first assault line of the Infantry and while passing through the village of Cantigny at 5:30 a.m., May 28 carrying his machine gun upon his shoulder, he was attacked by an enemy soldier and bayoneted, receiving a severe wrist wound; the enemy soldier was killed by an infantryman. Continuing in the advance beyond Cantigny and meeting intense enemy fire, the attacking wave was halted. Private Edwards with his squad remained in an advanced position, protecting with his fire the Infantry which had fallen back to a more advantageous position and were entrenching. While thus engaged the machine gunners repulsed two determined enemy counterattacks, during which the three members of the squad accompanying Private Edwards were killed and he himself severely wounded. Despite these wounds, which he himself dressed, he remained alone in his position throughout the day, firing whenever a target offered, withstanding attacks by liquid fire and machine-gun fire, he refused to be evacuated and continued to operate his gun until nightfall, when his company was relieved. His extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty, his fortitude and undaunted determination despite his numerous and painful wounds, incited the men of his battalion to splendid endeavors and raised their morale to an extremely high pitch.
General Orders No. No. 15, W.D., 1923
Home Town: Bruceville, TX
Other Award: Medal of Honor (WWI)

ELLIOTT, EDWIN A.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company E, 39th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edwin A. Elliott, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action north of Nantillois, France, October 12, 1918. An ammunition detail having failed several times to carry ammunition over a barraged zone, Sergeant Elliott voluntarily gathered and conducted an ammunition detail over 3 kilometers under extremely heavy artillery and machine-gun fire to the front line. In advance of his men he dragged a full box of Springfield ammunition for over a kilometer and distributed it to the front line. Later, he volunteered to carry, and carried, a message back to regimental headquarters.
General Orders No. No. 15, W.D., 1921
Home Town: Elm Mott, TX

F (2)

FOCHT, JOHN A.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Company B, 315th Engineers, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 27, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John A. Focht, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Madeline Farm, October 27, 1918. Knocked down and severely wounded when enemy shells hit the building where his company was at mess, Lieutenant Focht remained in the shelled area and, with the assistance of one of his men, carried out the wounded to a place of safety, where their wounds could be dressed.
General Orders 87, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Sweetwater, TX

*FRASER, HARRY L.
Captain, U.S. Army
Quartermaster Corps, 5th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harry L. Fraser, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Brandeville, France, November 10, 1918. Captain Frazer was directing a working party, which was being heavily bombarded. Having been ordered to safety, Captain Fraser, thinking only of the welfare of his men, went forth to see that all had found shelter, and was instantly killed.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Home Town: El Paso, TX

G (8)

GAINES, JOHN P.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 20, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John P. Gaines, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 20, 1918. Second Lieutenant Gaines stayed with his command and led it to its final objective . After being wounded, he directed the consolidation of his position, and yielded his post only at the command of a superior officer.
General Orders No. No. 100, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Bay City, TX

GARCIA, GRAVIEL
Private, U.S. Army
Company C, 325th Infantry Regiment, 82d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 16, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Graviel Garcia, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Juvin, France, October 16. 1918. Private Garcia voluntarily went out into No Man’s Land under heavy enemy fire and administered first aid to a wounded comrade. While making his way back to our lines with the wounded man he was himself severely wounded.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Somerville, TX

*GARRETT, VICTOR E.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 19 & October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Victor E. Garrett, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Berzy-le-Sec, France, July 19, 1918, and near Exermont, France, October 4, 1918. Lieutenant Garrett displayed great courage and self-sacrifice during the four days’ battle south of Soissons, conducting his platoon with calmness and good judgment, especially on July 19, 1918, when he aided in keeping his company together when large shells struck among the men, personally supervising the care of the wounded and getting them to aid stations, with utter disregard of his own safety, while subjected to heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire. Lieutenant Garrett displayed extraordinary heroism during the three days previous to the attack on Exermont, France, by refusing to be evacuated although suffering from an injury to his foot, remaining at his post until October 4, 1918, when acting as liaison officer, he with five men was suddenly confronted by 20 Germans, and while leading the attack he made the supreme sacrifice. His dauntless courage and excellent example enabled his men to take the Germans as prisoners.
General Orders No. No. 12, W.D., 1929
Home Town: Kerrville, TX

*GASTON, ROBERT A.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company F, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert A. Gaston, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. Corporal Gaston led three attempts to take an enemy machine-gun nest under enfilade fire. In the final attempt he was wounded, but continued to advance until he was killed by machine-gun fire.
General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Home Town: San Antonio, TX

GEE, OTHEL J.
First Lieutenant (Medical Corps), U.S. Army
20th Field Artillery (Attached), 5th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 27, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Othel J. Gee, First Lieutenant (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Vieville-en-Haye, France, September 27, 1918. Lieutenant Gee voluntarily ran to the assistance of a wounded soldier, dressed his wounds, and carried him to shelter through severe shell fire.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Timpson, TX

GRAVES, SIDNEY C.
(First Award)
Major, U.S. Army
16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: April 29, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Sidney C. Graves, Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Bois-de-Fontaine, France, April 29, 1918. Having located an enemy machine gun in front of his position, Major (then captain) Graves, with three men, voluntarily crawled out to the position of the machine gun, in full view and within 100 yards of the enemy lines, shot the gunner, killed the rest of the crew with grenades, and returned with his party without a casualty.
General Orders No. No. 15, W.D., 1923
Home Town: El Paso, TX
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (Siberia)

GUMM, JAY D.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
117th Train Headquarters and Military Police, 42d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 15, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jay D. Gumm, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Vadenay, north of Chalons-sur-Marne, France, July 15, 1918. During the shelling of Vadenay Sergeant Gumm voluntarily left a place of safety and went through heavy fire of major caliber shells and rescued a French soldier who was lying, severely wounded, in the street.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Dallas, TX

GUNST, GERALD H.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
360th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gerald H. Gunst, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Andevanne, France, November 2, 1918. When several officers of a company became casualties, Lieutenant Gunst took command of an assault platoon. Although wounded in the leg while leading his platoon in the attack, he continued on until the objective was reached. Hen then voluntarily carried an important message to regimental headquarters, crossing an area covered by enemy machine-gun fire.
General Orders No. No. 39, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Corpus Christi, TX

H (12)

HALEY, ROSCO ROBERT
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Rosco Robert Haley, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. Lieutenant Haley was severely wounded in the head while leading his platoon forward, but he continued in the advance, directing the cutting of wire entanglements under heavy fire. Shortly afterward he received another wound in the face, but he again refused to go to the rear, remaining with his platoon encouraging his men and maintaining organization until he became unconscious.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Home Town: San Antonio, TX

HAMMONS, CHARLES C.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company G, 5th Ammunition Train, 5th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 24, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles C. Hammons, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Septsarges, France, October 24, 1918. When an enemy shell struck some pyrotechnics stored in the ammunition dump of his organization, Corporal Hammons directed and assisted in the removal of inflammable material and placing the fire under control. Through his, coolness and courage the destruction of a large quantity of nearby ammunition was avoided.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Southland

HANKINS, STAYTON M.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
112th Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Stayton M. Hankins, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. Although severely wounded in the leg. Lieutenant Hankins continued in command of his company, remaining in action until he fell from complete exhaustion and was evacuated.
General Orders No. 59, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Quanah, TX

HARDIN, WILLIAM T.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company L, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William T. Hardin, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. Sergeant Hardin was severely wounded in the right shoulder early in the action, but although bleeding profusely he refused to go to the rear until the enemy’s position had been captured and the line consolidated.
General Orders No. 50, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Rhome, TX

HARLOW, LEON E.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Battery F, 7th Field Artillery, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: May 28 – 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Leon E. Harlow, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cantigny, France, May 28 – 30, 1918. Corporal Harlow voluntarily left his shelter and went out into a smothering bombardment to perform exhausting labor in repairing telephone lines. He repaired five breaks in a 50-yard stretch of wire, and when the same small section was again broken in four places he carried a message through heavy shelling to the regimental post of command.
General Orders No. 99, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Waco, TX

HARRIS, DAVID C., JR.
Private, U.S. Army
Company D, 56th Infantry Regiment, 7th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 13, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to David C. Harris, Jr., Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Puvenelle sector, France, October 13, 1918. Private Harris was dispatched with an important message to battalion headquarters after three runners had failed to penetrate the severe enemy barrage. With an utter disregard for his own personal safety Private Harris succeeded in passing through the heavy enemy artillery fire and delivered the message. After returning to his company Private Harris found that one of the officers of his company had been wounded and made another trip to battalion headquarters to secure first aid. While making this trip he assisted another wounded officer in the first-aid station, making in all three trips over this extremely dangerous area. During the performance of this act of gallantry Private Harris was severely gassed. Private Harris’ extraordinary courage and devotion to duty and his successful deliver of the message were of great importance to his company, and resulted in the saving of many lives.
General Orders No. No. 22, W.D., 1929
Home Town: Mineral Wells, TX

HEAD, CARROLL E.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company C, 111th Field Signal Battalion, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 14, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Carroll E. Head, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Attigny, France, October 14, 1918. The enemy having located the advance divisional information center, the personnel was removed to a new position. Corporal Head volunteered and removed the switchboard, changing the wire connections so that communication would not be interrupted. For five or sis minutes he worked under intense shell fire, several shells passing through the building as he worked. He succeeded, however, in reestablishing the line connections outside the building. Immediately after he left the building it was completely demolished by a shell.
General Orders 81, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Fort Worth, TX

*HENSLEY, THOMAS L.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company H, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 29, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas L. Hensley, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Roncheres, France, July 29, 1918. Going from one wounded comrade to another, exposed to heavy machine-gun and deadly sniper fire, Private Hensley administered aid to all that he could reach before being killed in the performance of this heroic mission.
General Orders No. 32, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Humble, TX

HILBURN, HERBERT S.
Captain, U.S. Army
359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Herbert S. Hilburn, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Villers-devant- Dun, France, November 2, 1918. Under heavy machine-gun fire, Captain Hilburn repeatedly went to the rear of his company to rally and reorganize it, and then rushed forward to lead his men on. Having taken the town of Villers-devant-Dun and the crest beyond, he held it with only 16 men until the next morning against superior numbers of the enemy.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Plainview, TX

HIRSCHFELDER, CHESTER J.
Captain, U.S. Army
5th Machine-Gun Battalion, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Chester J. Hirschfelder, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 4, 1918. When an enemy machine gun was inflicting heavy casualties upon his company, Captain Hirschfelder crawled forward alone across a field exposed to heavy machine-gun fire and threw hand grenades into the enemy position. His action silenced the machine gun and prevented further casualties to his company.
General Orders No. No. 53, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Beeville, TX

HOLT, JEFFERSON L.
Private, U.S. Army
Medical Corps, 2d Engineers, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 2 – 3, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jefferson L. Holt, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action during the day and night of June 2 – 3, 1918. Private Holt exposed himself to severe and continuous fire beyond call of duty in order to bring aid to wounded engineers and marines.
General Orders No. 99, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Pecos, TX

HOUSTON, CLYDE
Private, U.S. Army
Company M, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 4 & 7 – 11, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clyde Houston, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Tuilerie Farm, France, November 4 and 7 – 11, 1918. On November 4, Private Houston showed unusual courage and daring in carrying messages under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire. On November 7-11, he carried messages between his company and battalion headquarters while the enemy were endeavoring to cut off communication by machine- gun and shell fire.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Houston Heights, TX

J (4)

JACKSON, GEORGE C.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company M, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George C. Jackson, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fleville, France, October 2, 1918. His platoon becoming disorganized by enemy artillery fire, Sergeant Jackson halted his men, reorganized them under the heavy fire and resumed the advance. Later he borrowed an automatic rifle from one of the men in his platoon, and, firing it from his hip, advanced on an enemy machine-gun, killing two members of the crew and capturing another.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Fort Worth, TX

JOHNSON, ALVA LEE
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company G, 5th Ammunition Train, 5th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 24, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alva Lee Johnson, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Septsarges, France, October 24, 1918. When an enemy shell struck some pyrotechnics stored in the ammunition dump of his organization, Corporal Johnson directed and assisted in the removal of inflammable material and placing the fire under control. Through his coolness and courage the destruction of a large quantity of nearby ammunition was avoided.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: El Paso, TX

JOHNSTON, FRANK
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company M, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank Johnston, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. After his company had been thrown into confusion by running into its own artillery barrage, Corporal Johnston reorganized a large part of the company and continued the advance. His command was again separated by a barrage of enemy artillery fire, but he continued with that portion of the company left under his control until he was twice wounded and carried to the rear.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Denton, TX

JOINER, ARTHUR ELMER
Private, U.S. Army
Company A, 360th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur Elmer Joiner, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Le Grand Carre Farm, France, November 1, 1918. Private Joiner, a battalion runner, made four trips to his company through intense machine-gun fire. On the fourth trip he was severely wounded, but he continued to crawl along until he intercepted another runner and gave him the message.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Granbury, TX

K (2)

KEENE, GEORGE L.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company K, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18 – 19, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George L. Keene, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 18 – 19, 1918. Corporal Keene, then acting sergeant, rendered splendid assistance to his commanding officer in helping him to organize and lead a group of American and French Colonial soldiers against an enemy strong point located in a rock quarry on high ground. During the attack, Corporal Keene was in command of the troops on the right flank, and in storming the position, he rushed forward at the head of his men, hurled a hand grenade in the trenches, subdued one of the most difficult posts of the enemy position and personally captured an officer on whom was found important maps of the enemy positions. On the second day, Corporal Keene served in the capacity of an officer by commanding a company in the first wave of the attack formation and when his battalion commander became wounded he rendered valuable aid in assisting in maintaining control of formations until the objective was reached.
General Orders No. No. 5, W.D., 1937
Home Town: Crockett, TX

KINNEY, MARTIN H.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company E, 315th Engineers, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 26, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Martin H. Kinney, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Pont-a- Mousson, France, September 26, 1918. After receiving orders to withdraw from position, Sergeant Kinney saw an officer lying wounded and helpless about 15 yards in advance of the line. With utter disregard for his own safety he crawled through heavy enemy fire from the front and flanks to the aid of the officer and dragged him back about 50 yards to the shelter of a small mound, where he dressed the officer’s wound, and then carried him through the barrage to a first-aid station.
General Orders No. No. 128, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Fort Worth, TX

L (4)

*LEEPER, DAN C.
Captain, U.S. Army
359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Dan C. Leeper, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Villers-devant-Dun, France, November 2, 1918. In the face of intense machine-gun fire Captain Leeper led his company forward to its objective, capturing a machine-gun nest and making possible the capture of a strong enemy position on a hill. This officer was severely wounded during these operations, but his courage was an inspiration to his men in consolidating their position.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Denison, TX

LIPSCOMB, ABNER E.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company I, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Abner E. Lipscomb, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. After all the officers of his company were either killed or wounded, Sergeant Lipscomb took command of his company, and although twice wounded, continued to advance. He led the company with courage and skill; held difficult positions in the exposed salient occupied by the first battalion, and established a flank guard.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Brenham, TX

LOESCHER, FRANK B.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company K, 360th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank B. Loescher, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Le Grand Carre Farm, France, November 1, 1918. Although wounded in the arm early in the attack, Sergeant Loescher continued to lead his platoon in the attack on a strong enemy position, and by the use of rifles, rifle grenades, and hand grenades, and after capturing several machine-gun nests, including one dugout containing 70 Germans, forced the entire strong point to yield, including two German companies armed with machine guns, which had been holding up the advance of the whole company.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Sealy, TX

LOOMIS, JOHN S.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
132d Machine-Gun Battalion, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John S. Loomis, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 10, 1918. During an attack to straighten the front of the 71st Brigade, Lieutenant Loomis, in command of a machine-gun platoon, upon arriving at the objective, discovered that all of the infantry officers in the vicinity had fallen, thus leaving their troops in confusion. Although under a heavy barrage of high explosive and gas shells, machine-gun and rifle fire, Lieutenant Loomis removed his gas mask in order that his voice might carry, and, with great coolness, reorganized the infantry forces, thus enabling them to hold the ground they had gained. Lieutenant Loomis remained in command until he was so severely gassed that he had to be carried from the field.
General Orders 81, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Dallas, TX

M (13)

MANNING, JOHN C.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company K, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18 – 19, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John C. Manning, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Paris- Soissons Road, France, July 18 – 19, 1918. Corporal Manning voluntarily left his shelter and went to the rescue of two wounded French soldiers who were in a burning tank. The rescue was made under an intense fire from the enemy, in plain view and while they were using all efforts to complete the destruction of the tank and prevent the rescue of its inmates. Corporal Manning succeeded in forcing open a door of the burning tank, dragging out the wounded men, and bringing them to a place of shelter, from which they were later evacuated.
General Orders No. 59, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Kingsville, TX

MARLIN, FRANK
Private, U.S. Army
Company G, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 19, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank Marlin, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 19, 1918. With two other soldiers Private Marlin rushed a machine-gun position, killed the crew, and captured the gun in order to make the advance of his platoon possible.
General Orders No. No. 132, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Gatesville, TX

MASON, CLAUDE H.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8 – 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Claude H. Mason, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8 – 10, 1918. On October 8, Lieutenant Mason followed the wave of attack under heavy shell and sniper fire, and maintained an aid station with no protection, near the front lines, giving first aid to the wounded and evacuating the injured from a heavily shelled area, for a period of three days.
General Orders 87, W.D., 1919
Home Town: El Paso, TX

MAY, JOE C.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company B, 315th Train Headquarters & Military Police, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 5, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joe C. May, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Montigny-devant-Sassey, France, November 5, 1918. During a very heavy attack in the vicinity of his post, where artillery fire and aircraft machine-gun fire had created a most confusing situation, Corporal May calmly directed traffic, aided wounded, and removed obstructions, thereby preventing wild disorder. He assisted the drivers of ammunition trucks in getting their machines to a place of safety.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Tahoka, TX

*MCCALL, ANDY
Private, U.S. Army
Machine-Gun Company, 370th Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Andy McCall, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Ferme de la Riviere, France, September 30, 1918. Although relieved on the previous night, Private McCall willingly agreed to substitute for a sick comrade, returning the following day to his dangerous post as advance machine-gunner. During a heavy shelling of his position Private McCall was killed.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Houston, TX

*MCKIMMEY, JOHN C.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John C. McKimmey, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. His organization harassed, and suffering severe losses from enemy machine-gun fire, Lieutenant McKimmey, accompanied by two sergeants, left shelter and advanced across an open area, exposed to enemy fire, in order to attack their position. He lost his life while making the attempt.
General Orders 78, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Comanche, TX

*MONTGOMERY, CHARLES G.
Private, U.S. Army
Company I, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 27, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles G. Montgomery, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Attigny, France, October 27, 1918. Private Montgomery volunteered and carried a message from battalion headquarters, through the enemy’s fire, to our support line, and guided a combat group into position, in absolute disregard of his personal safety. He was caught in a heavy barrage and was killed.
General Orders No. 27, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Goodlett, TX

*MOORE, CHARLES J.
Captain, U.S. Army
7th Engineers, 5th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 14, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles J. Moore, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on the Andon River, France. Captain Moore went forward under heavy artillery fire, reorganized his men who were in scattered units, after they had laid bridges across the Andon River. After being severely wounded, Captain Moore gave instructions to his subordinates for carrying on the work.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Lampasas, TX

*MOORE, JOHN H.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Company D, 3d Machine-Gun Battalion, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Moore, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cutry, France, on July 18, 1918. While courageously leading his section in the face of intense fire, Second Lieutenant Moore was knocked down by a shell explosion, but continued his leadership as soon as he regained consciousness and personally reconnoitered the area in advance to find a less dangerous route. He succeeded and thereby made it possible for his men to go forward, but he himself was killed in the undertaking.
General Orders No. No. 126, W.D., 1918
Home Town: De Kalb, TX

MOORE, WALLIS J.
Captain, U.S. Army
132d Machine-Gun Battalion, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Wallis J. Moore, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. Captain Moore, although wounded by shrapnel, refused to go the rear, and proceeded to reorganize portions of three infantry platoons, whose officers had become casualties, thus protecting the right flank of the 141st Infantry. He went to the rear only after he had been severely gassed.
General Orders No. 126, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Austin, TX

MORRISON, JESSE S.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 14, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jesse S. Morrison, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Attigny, France, October 14, 1918. Sergeant Morrison drove a motorcycle through intense artillery fire and assisted in the rescue of a wounded soldier under machine-gun fire, driving back with him under intense bombardment to the dressing station.
General Orders No. 50, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Odell, TX

MORRISON, OTHO K.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
60th Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 15 & November 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Otho K. Morrison, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cunel, France, October 15, 1918; and at Juvigny, France, November 10, 1918. Lieutenant Morrison displayed exceptional courage and leadership when, being cut off by the enemy with his battalion command and a small detachment from battalion headquarters, he led patrols and drove off enemy machine-gunners who had infiltrated to within striking distance of the group. On November 10, he led his company against the fortified heights of Juvigny, driving back the enemy for more than a kilometer.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Gatesville, TX

MYERS, LOUIS W.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company D, 8th Machine-Gun Battalion, 3d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 14 – 15, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Louis W. Myers, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Le Rocq, France, July 14 – 15, 1918. Corporal Myers repeatedly exposed himself to the terrific enemy shell fire in carrying messages and rendering first aid to the wounded.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Fort Worth, TX

N (2)

NAIL, E. KELLEY
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company I, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to E. Kelley Nail, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. Sergeant Nail, in charge of a patrol, successfully flanked a machine-gun nest of several guns which was holding up the advance of his company and captured four German officers.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Cleburne, TX

NICKELS, CHARLES E.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company D, 2d Engineers, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 5 – 7, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles E. Nickels, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne-a- Arnes, France, October 5 – 7, 1918. Advancing ahead of the infantry, Sergeant Nickels made several reconnaissances of the town of St. Etienne-a-Arnes, France, and, in spite of the danger, exposed to machine-gun and artillery fire of our own and enemy guns, he procured and returned with valuable information.
General Orders No. 23, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Boerne, TX

O (3)

O’BRIEN, JOHN J.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company D, 2d Engineers, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 5 – 7, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John J. O’Brien, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne-a- Arnes, France, October 5 – 7, 1918. Advancing ahead of the infantry, Sergeant O’Brien made several reconnaissances of the town of St. Etienne-a-Arnes; and, in spite of the danger exposed to machine-gun and artillery fire of our own and enemy guns, he procured and returned with valuable information.
General Orders No. 23, W.D., 1919
Home Town: El Paso, TX

*OGDEN, IRA C.
Captain, U.S. Army
141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 9 – 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ira C. Ogden, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 9 – 10, 1918. Due to casualties among field officers, Captain Ogden was placed in command of the support line. On the afternoon of October 10, an advance was ordered, and Captain Ogden requested permission to accompany the front line. He was placed in command of the front line of the regiment and advanced with it at 4:30 p.m. Regardless of personal danger, he crossed areas swept by machine-gun fire, and was killed in action shortly after he had reported as having reached the objective.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Home Town: San Antonio, TX

*ORTIZ, CONCEPCION
Private, U.S. Army
Company I, 125th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 11, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Concepcion Ortiz, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Romagne, France, October 11, 1918. On the morning of October 11 Private Ortiz made numerous trips across a valley which was swept by continuous and terrific machine-gun fire, carrying messages of great importance from his company in the front line to his battalion post of command. After having successfully and fearlessly carried many messages he lost his life while performing the hazardous duty.
General Orders 64, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Eagle Pass, TX

P (5)

*PACKARD, WILLIAM L.
Private, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 7th Field Artillery, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 5, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William L. Packard, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Exermont, France, October 5, 1918. In going to the aid of a wounded comrade, Private Packard was himself mortally wounded, but continued on his self-sacrificing mission till he was too weak from loss of blood to continue his work, dying shortly afterward.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Paris, TX

PARKER, JOHN A.
Private, U.S. Army
Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John A. Parker, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Medeah Ferme, France, October 8, 1918. In addition to his duties as runner, Private Parker volunteered and assisted in cleaning out many dugouts. At one dugout he was attacked by a number of Germans. He counterattacked with grenades, capturing ten prisoners and two light machine-guns.
General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Greenville, TX

PEACOCK, JACK
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company K, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jack Peacock, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. All the officers of his company being killed, Sergeant Peacock took command and led the company into action, capturing 62 German prisoners who were occupying and directing a fire against our troops from six machine-gun nests.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Waco, TX

*PETERS, HERBERT N.
Captain, U.S. Army
358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12 – 14, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Herbert N. Peters, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Les Huit Chemins, France, September 12 – 14, 1918. As commander of the support company of his battalion, Captain Peters displayed courage and leadership by rushing two platoons into position to protect the right flank of the battalion, which had suddenly become exposed. Under his personal leadership, in the face of intense machine-gun and shell, fire a number of enemy machine-gun nests were stormed and enemy combat troops dispersed. Serious danger to the advancing line was thereby averted. Captain Peters was killed shortly afterward in a raid on the enemy.
General Orders No. No. 140, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Sabinal, TX

*PRYOR, JOHN P.
Captain, U.S. Army
2d Machine-Gun Battalion, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4 – 6, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John P. Pryor, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action during the Meuse- Argonne offensive, near Exermont, France, October 4 – 6, 1918. Attacked by Spanish influenza, Captain Pryor refused to leave his command for medical treatment because of the heavy casualties among the officers of the battalion to which his company was attached. Captain Pryor remained with his command, participating in the heavy fighting around Exermont and Hill 240, inspiring his men through his conspicuous bravery and indomitable will until he collapsed upon the field of battle, and was carried from the field, dying while en route to the hospital.
General Orders No. No. 15, W.D., 1923
Home Town: El Paso, TX

R (10)

RASSMUSSEN, CARL
Private, U.S. Army
Company B, 39th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 27, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Carl Rassmussen, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bois-de-Brieulles, France, September 27, 1918. Private Rassmussen, a company runner, volunteered and made two trips from the post of command of his own regiment to that of the regiment adjoining his own, passing each time more than a thousand yards under intense enemy machine-gun fire.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Edinburg, TX

RAWLINSON, JOHN W.
Private, U.S. Army
Company K, 106th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 28, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John W. Rawlinson, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Quinne-nont, France, near Ronssoy, France, September 28, 1918. After assisting in repulsing a strong enemy counterattack, Private Rawlinson, with two other soldiers, became separated from his company, due to the heavy fog. Seeing a superior force of the enemy in a trench, they unhesitatingly attacked, and after killing and wounding several of the enemy, they captured numerous prisoners and brought them back to our lines.
General Orders No. 68, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Kingsville, TX

REESE, JOHN D.
Private, U.S. Army
Company L, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 27, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John D. Reese, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Roche, France, October 27, 1918. Though he was suffering from illness and had been told to go to the rear, Private Reese for three days remained on duty as a runner, and, when almost exhausted, went forward with his company in attack, voluntarily accompanying a liaison patrol on a dangerous mission.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Farwell, TX

REESE, WILLIAM
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company I, 125th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 11, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Reese, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Romagne, France, October 11, 1918. Private Reese displayed exceptional courage in repeatedly crossing an area swept by machine-gun and shell fire to carry messages to battalion headquarters after other soldiers had been killed or wounded in attempting the same mission.
General Orders 64, W.D., 1919
Home Town: San Saba, TX

RHEA, JAMES C.
Colonel (Cavalry), U.S. Army
Chief of Staff, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James C. Rhea, Colonel (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 9, 1918. Colonel Rhea, with Lieutenant Le Pelletier de Woillemont, French Army, voluntarily undertook an important reconnaissance under hazardous circumstances during the Masif Blanc Mont operations at a time when accurate information concerning our advanced positions was greatly needed and could not be obtained from other sources. In an automobile, whose conspicuous appearance drew the concentrated fire of enemy artillery and machine-guns, they proceeded one mile across open ground to the town of St. Etienne, where our troops were in contact with the enemy. Under fire these two officers reconnoitered the front lines, locating the position of the enemy as well as that of the French units on the flank, and returned across the open with complete, reliable, and timely information of the highest military value in subsequent operations.
General Orders No. No. 120, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Strawn, TX

RITCHIE, EDWARD D.
Private, U.S. Army
Company M, 47th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward D. Ritchie, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Thibaut, France, August 10, 1918. While on an outpost near the Vesle River, Private Ritchie volunteered to accompany Corporal John S. Weimer in rescuing a wounded soldier who had been left by members of a patrol in a shell hole some distance to the front. Under fire from machine guns and snipers, Private Ritchie and Corporal Weimer proceeded to the shell hole and found the wounded man, who was unable to walk. Suggesting that the three of them in a group would make a more conspicuous target for the enemy, Private Ritchie offered to run ahead to draw the enemy fire, while his comrade assisted the wounded man. He made his way back to shelter under continuous machine-gun and sniper fire, while Corporal Weimer carried the wounded soldier to safety.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Stratford, TX

ROBERTS, CHESTER A.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company L, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Chester A. Roberts, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. Sergeant Roberts led an automatic rifle team of seven men in an attack on an enemy machine-gun nest, advancing 150 yards, under heavy machine-gun fire, to within 50 yards of the enemy position, from which point he directed the fire of his team with such skill that the enemy surrendered; resulting in the capture of four officers, 112 men, and 17 machine-guns.
General Orders 66, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Cleburne, TX

ROTE, TOBIN C.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Tobin C. Rote, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fey-en-Haye, France, September 12, 1918. Lieutenant Rote displayed daring in rushing machine-gun emplacements in the path of his platoon. Single-handed he captured crews and emplacements of enemy machine guns.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Home Town: San Antonio, TX

RULAND, HENRY F.
Private, U.S. Army
357th Ambulance Company, 315th Sanitary Train, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Henry F. Ruland, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Vilcey-sur-Trey, France, September 12,1918. With another soldier, Private Ruland left the shelter of a wood and went forward to rescue a soldier who had fallen wounded on a hill under constant machine-gun and shell fire. While they were carrying him back on a litter he was again wounded and the litter was struck twice by machine-gun bullets, but they succeeded in carrying him back to safety, thereby saving his life.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Brenham, TX

RYAN, OSCAR H.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company K, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 8 & 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Oscar H. Ryan, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Faubourg, France, November 8, 1918, and at Villemontry, France, November 10, 1918. On November 8 Corporal Ryan went on a patrol through heavy machine-gun and artillery fire and returned with valuable information of the enemy. On November 10 he remained on post in a building after half of it had been demolished by shell fire and after being relieved of this duty helped to dig men from the debris of other houses which had been destroyed by the shells.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Cuero, TX

S (14)

SCHUMACHER, MAX
Private, U.S. Army
Company I, 60th Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 5, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Max Schumacher, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Clery-le- Petit, France, November 5, 1918. When the advance of his company was held up by enemy machine-gun fire, Private Schumacher, with his platoon commander and another soldier, advanced in front of the line and attacked a machine-gun nest, killing two gunners and taking eight prisoners, thereby enabling the company to advance and establish a brigade bridgehead.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Brenham, TX

*SHOEMAKER, LONNIE O.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company L, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Lonnie O. Shoemaker, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. Although he was severely gassed, Corporal Shoemaker continued in the attack until his company had reached its objective and organized the new position, when he was ordered to the rear. The exposure to which he voluntarily submitted resulted in his death.
General Orders No. 50, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Childress, TX

SIMPSON, ALFRED R.
Private, U.S. Army
Company B, 321st Machine-Gun Battalion, 82d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alfred R. Simpson, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Somme-Py, France, October 12, 1918. While his company was covering with machine-gun fire a temporary withdrawal of the infantry, before a hostile counterattack, Private Simpson secured an abandoned German machine gun and operated it until his own company, as well as the infantry, had returned safely. He remained at his post until his ammunition was exhausted and was the last one to leave the position. Through his bravery and skill the advance of the enemy was checked, and our own forces were able to organize a fresh counter dash attack.
General Orders No. 27, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Bee Cave, TX

SIMPSON, ETHAN A.
Captain, U.S. Army
142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ethan A. Simpson, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action east of St. Etienne-a- Arnes, France, October 8, 1918. While leading his company during the attack on the morning of October 8, 1918, Captain Simpson was severely wounded, but refused to be evacuated until his senior lieutenant had been sent to him in order that he could explain the tactical situation and turn over the command of his company. Although suffering intense pain, Captain Simpson endeavored to conceal the seriousness of his wounds, thereby displaying extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty which were an inspiration to the men of his company.
General Orders No. 6, W.D., 1930
Home Town: Clarendon, TX

SIMPSON, JOSEPH M.
Captain, U.S. Army
Machine-Gun Company, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 14, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph M. Simpson, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Foret Vencheres, France, September 14, 1918. Captain Simpson took command of a platoon that had become separated from its command, reorganized it, and showed marked personal courage in leading it forward under heavy fire. He called for volunteers and then led them in an attack upon a machine-gun nest that had been holding up our advance. With two men, he charged the nest, captured the gun, and killed the crew.
General Orders 87, W.D., 1919
Home Town: San Antonio, TX

*SINGLETON, LOWA L.
Private, U.S. Army
Machine-Gun Company, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 15 & 18, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Lowa L. Singleton, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, France, October 15 & 18, 1918. On October 15, though severely wounded, Private Singleton refused to be evacuated and continued to perform his duties as platoon runner under difficult and dangerous conditions. On October 18 he exposed himself to heavy machine-gun and artillery fire in order to carry water to other members of his platoon, in the performance of which task he was mortally wounded.
General Orders No. 130, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Alvin, TX

SLOAN, OZRO L.
Private, U.S. Army
Company C, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ozro L. Sloan, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Thiaucourt, France, September 12, 1918. When his platoon was under shell fire and threatened by an enemy counterattack, Private Sloan collected in the vicinity a number of soldiers separated from their organizations and led them to reinforce his platoon in the first line. While so engaged he was seriously wounded, but continued on duty with his platoon until completely exhausted.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Cartwright, TX

SMITH, JOSEPH W.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
166th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph W. Smith, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Baussant, northeast of St. Mihiel, France, September 12, 1918. Finding that his platoon would be under heavy fire of enemy machine-guns while crossing the Rupt de Mad, Lieutenant Smith, rather than permit the advance to be delayed, unhesitatingly plunged into the stream, crossed it under heavy fire, ascertained the exact location of the enemy, brought his platoon through the river by a protected route, and with it flanked and captured six machine-guns and 19 prisoners.
General Orders No. 99, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Austin, TX

SMITH, WILLIAM K.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company D, 2d Machine-Gun Battalion, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William K. Smith, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Croix Le Perre, France, July 18, 1918. After his platoon commander had become a causality and all the machine-guns of his section had been put out of action by shell fire, Sergeant Smith collected the few remaining men of his section, armed them with rifles and pistols and voluntarily led them against an enemy machine-gun nest, which was checking the advance of the battalion. Despite intense machine-gun and shell fire, he made a flank attack on the nest and reduced it, killing or capturing 12 of the enemy. His marked courage and quick initiative enabled the battalion to resume its advance.
General Orders 98, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Hubbard, TX

*SPANGLER, LEWIS G.
Private, U.S. Army
Company K, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 15, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Lewis G. Spangler, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fossoy, France, July 15, 1918. During the intense shelling by the enemy just prior to their offensive of July 15, Private Spangler volunteered and carried a message through the heavy fire and returned with an answer.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Lometa, TX

STAPLETON, GORDON C.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
6th Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 6, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gordon C. Stapleton, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Vilosnes, France, November 6, 1918. Entering Vilosnes with a patrol, Lieutenant Stapleton encountered heavy enemy machine-gun fire. He attacked and killed four Germans, took four prisoners and forced those remaining to take shelter in a trench. Although greatly outnumbered he held his position, while the French crossed the River Meuse and took many prisoners.
General Orders No. 37, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Ennis, TX

*STEGAR, BERNARD A.
Private, U.S. Army
Company F, 107th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 18, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Bernard A. Stegar, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Thibaut, France, October, 18, 1918. When a comrade was severely wounded by machine- gun fire, Private Stegar went to his rescue, crossing open spaces subjected to intense fire by the enemy. He was wounded as he advanced, but he continued forward and reached the side of his wounded comrade, when he was again hit by a machine-gun bullet and instantly killed.
General Orders 71, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Marlin, TX

*STEWART, ALPHEUS E.
Private, U.S. Army
Company G, 107th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 29, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alpheus E. Stewart, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action east of Ronssoy, France, September 29, 1918. Private Stewart, having been wounded in the head, advanced with fearless disregard for his own personal safety against an enemy machine-gun nest and succeeded in putting it out of action by bombing the gunners. He was killed immediately thereafter by enemy machine-gun fire.
General Orders No. 16, W.D., 1919
Home Town: San Antonio, TX

SWAIN, JACK R.
Private, U.S. Army
Section No. 647, Ambulance Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 19, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jack R. Swain, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Beaumont, France, on June 19,1918. Private Swain went to the rescue of wounded men who were exposed to shell fire as a result of an accident to their ambulance. Being able to approach only to within 300 yards of the wrecked car on the road, he took a stretcher and crawled along a ditch to reach them. He then returned and recovered the body of a third man who had been killed in the accident.
General Orders No. 15, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Dallas, TX

T (3)

TAWATER, CARL M.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Carl M. Tawater, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, November 1, 1918. Just as his platoon went over the top Sergeant Tawater and several other soldiers were wounded by a shell which exploded near them. After seeing that the other wounded men were properly cared for, he organized the rest of his platoon and rejoined his unit, remaining on duty all day with his Stokes Mortar Section in spite of a painful wound in the foot.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Born: Winchester, TN
Home Town: Rosebud, TX

*TAYLOR, JOHN L.
Captain, U.S. Army
9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John L. Taylor, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 18, 1918. Captain Taylor assumed command of his battalion upon the death of his major and continued to lead the advance under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, refusing to leave until he had been wounded five times. His example was an inspiration to all near him, and an important factor in the successful attack made by his regiment.
General Orders No. No. 132, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Hustonville, TX

TERRELL, ALEXANDER W.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
151st Field Artillery, 42d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: March 5, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alexander W. Terrell, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Pexonne, France, on March 5, 1918. Second Lieutenant Terrell showed unusual courage in assisting to direct the operations of Battery C, 151st Field Artillery, when that organization was under particularly accurate artillery bombardment. Although wounded himself, he refused first aid and continued on duty until all of the wounded soldiers of the command had been treated.
General Orders No. No. 139, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Fort Worth, TX

V (1)

VOTAW, LOUIS H.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company B, 360th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Louis H. Votaw, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Bois-le-Pretre, France, September 12, 1918. Although he was wounded in the body early in the action and later received another wound in the head, Corporal Votaw continued at his post as squad leader until the action was over and then went to the rear only upon orders from his platoon commander.
General Orders No. No. 128, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Beaumont, TX

W (9)

*WALDROP, BERGEN X.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company H, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Bergen X. Waldrop, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. While leading his platoon in an advance in the face of heavy machine-gun and shell fire, Sergeant Waldrop was wounded, but refused to go to the rear, continuing his advance until the objectives had been attained.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Clarendon, TX

*WALKER, WILLIS J.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Salvage Squadron No. 1, Quartermaster Corps, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 7, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Willis J. Walker, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations against an armed enemy near Bezu St. Germain, France, September 7, 1918. When fire broke out in a wood where a salvage detachment was encamped, seriously endangering the lives of 200 men because of its proximity to a pile of salvaged German high explosives 155-millimeter shells, Private First Class Walker and Sergeant Afton E. Wheeler voluntarily ran to the scene of the fire and attempted to extinguish the flames fully aware of the grave danger to themselves. They fought the fire with blankets and sticks, but the fire quickly spread to the shells. Both men were killed by the explosion which followed.
General Orders No. No. 142, W.D., 1918
Home Town: Brady, TX

WARREN, CHARLES F.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 5,1 918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles F. Warren, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Exermont, France, October 5, 1918. Lieutenant Warren led his platoon forward through artillery and machine-gun fire to rescue six men who had been cut off from our lines by the enemy. While crossing an open space his platoon was fired upon by enemy machine guns. Lieutenant Warren advanced ahead of his platoon, calling to his men “Follow me,” until he fell wounded by a machine-gun bullet.
General Orders No. No. 39, W.D., 1920
Home Town: Hewitt, TX

WARREN, EDWARD R.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
315th Engineers, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward R. Warren, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fey-en- Haye, France, September 12, 1918. First Lieutenant Warren was in command of a platoon of engineers and went over the top with the second wave of infantry. When the first wave was halted by severe machine-gun and shell fire early in action and all its officers killed or disabled, he led his men up to the first wave, reorganized the remaining effectives and led them across a valley and up a hill through severe flanking fire from German machine-guns. He was knocked down by the explosion of a shell, but, undaunted by murderous fire from the front and both flanks, he continued to lead his men on toward their objectives until he was shot down by a machine gun.
General Orders No. No. 128, W.D., 1918
Home Town: El Paso, TX

WARREN, RUFUS
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Headquarters Company, 360th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Rufus Warren, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bantheville, France, November 1, 1918. Although wounded in the leg and hand, Private Warren insisted on advancing with his unit. In addition to his equipment, he carried a trench mortar barrel, the extra weight proving a severe strain on account of his wounds. After receiving two more wounds from shrapnel, he crawled alone to the dressing station, refusing proffered help.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Ratcliff, TX

WEIMER, JOHN SAMUEL
Private, U.S. Army
Company M, 47th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 10, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Samuel Weimer, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near the Vesle River, France, August 10, 1918. While on outpost duty, Private Weimer learned that a soldier from another organization was lying wounded in a shell hole 200 yards away. With another member of his squad Private Weimer voluntarily went through machine-gun and sniper fire, and carried the wounded man to shelter.
General Orders 81, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Mt. Pleasant, TX

WHISENANT, HERBERT W.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Herbert W. Whisenant, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 18, 1918. While advancing with his platoon, Lieutenant Whisenant, after he was so severely wounded that he was unable to continue so encouraged and inspired his men that they won a decided victory and captured many men and guns. His wound resulted in the loss of a leg.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Austin, TX

*WILLIS, PAUL
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company K, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Paul Willis, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918. Upon the death of his platoon commander, Sergeant Willis took command of the platoon and led his men in an attack against the enemy. Although wounded several times, he continued to lead his men until killed by machine-gun fire.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Home Town: China Springs, TX

WORTHEN, WILLIAM A.
Mechanic, U.S. Army
Company M, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 3 & November 7, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William A. Worthen, Mechanic, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Tuilerie Farm, France, October 3, 1918, and at Mouzon, France, November 7, 1918. On October 3 Mechanic Worthen was assigned to duty as a runner after he had requested to go into action with his company instead of remaining in the rear. He showed exceptional bravery while carrying messages through heavy machine-gun and artillery fire, and on November 7 he maintained communication with battalion headquarters when the enemy were endeavoring to cut off his company by machine-gun and shell fire.
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Sunset, TX

Y (3)

YAEGER, LOUIS
Private, U.S. Army
Company D, 321st Machine-Gun Battalion, 82d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Louis Yaeger, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Pont-a-Mousson, France, September 12, 1918. Private Yaeger, with his brother, Corporal Roy Yaeger, remained at an advanced position in the face of heavy machine-gun and rifle fire from the enemy and, by effective use of their machine-gun and pistols, covered the withdrawal of the infantry, inflicting serious losses on the enemy and refusing to retire until they were ordered to do so.
General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Home Town: San Diego, TX

YAEGER, ROY
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company D, 321st Machine-Gun Battalion, 82d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Roy Yaeger, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Pont-a-Mousson, France, September 12, 1918. Corporal Yaeger, with his brother, Private Louis Yaeger, remained at an advanced position in the face of heavy machine-gun fire and rifle fire from the enemy, and, by effective use of their machine-gun and pistols, covered the withdrawal of the infantry, inflicting serious losses on the enemy and refusing to retire until ordered to do so.
General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Hebbronville, TX

YANTIS, ERNEST M.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
363d Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ernest M. Yantis, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Tronsol Farm, France, September 30, 1918. Leading his platoon as a combat patrol 500 yards ahead of the front line, under intense shell and machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Yantis was wounded three times, but remained on duty for more than an hour until relieved. He then refused to leave until the new officer had been fully informed as to his disposition and that of the enemy.
General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Granbury, TX

Sources

Department of Defense. Army Distinguished Service Cross Recipients. https://valor.defense.gov/Recipients/Army-Distinguished-Service-Cross-Recipients/. Accessed 6/30/18.

HomeOfHeroes.com. 2115 West 13th Street – Pueblo, CO 81003. http://www.homeofheroes.com/members/02_DSC/citatons/01_wwi_dsc/dsc_05wwi_Army_S.html. Accessed 1/17/18.

Wall of Valor Project. https://valor.militarytimes.com/conflict/2. Accessed 6/30/18.

Traces of War. https://www.tracesofwar.com/awards/236/Distinguished-Service-Cross-DSC.htm. Accessed 6/30/18.

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PLANNING FOR VETERANS DAY 2018: TEXAS WWI CENTENNIAL IN THE SCHOOLS

Texas WWI Centennial — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 00:40:13 +0000

Originally from Laredo, David Barkley was one of four native Texans to be awarded the Medal of Honor – and the first Hispanic in the regular Army. San Antonian Clyde Balsley flew with the Lafayette Escadrille and was the first American to be shot down (he survived). Huntsville native Captain John W. Thomason earned the Navy Cross while leading U.S. Marines at the he would later write and illustrate the best-selling book Fix Bayonets! about the war. Colonel Edwin House was President Wilson’s closest advisor on the war and represented Wilson at the Versailles treat talks. Wounded twice during the fierce fighting in the Meuse-Argonne, Lieutenant Maury Maverick received the Silver Star medal; after the war he would serve as a U.S. Congressman, Mayor of San Antonio, and a variety of civic leadership positions.

The 100 Years / 100 Schools school partnership program. Veterans Day 2018 is an opportunity to highlight the role of Texas and Texans in the Great War as part of scheduled school Veterans Day programs. The 2018 outreach initiative goal of the Texas WWI Centennial is to partner with 100 schools for the 100^th anniversary of WWI; 100 Years / 100 Schools. Because Veterans Day 2018 falls on a Sunday, the program is designed to support school Veterans Day recognition events during the first two weeks of November.

Veterans Day 2018 is also the 100^th anniversary of “Armistice Day” – the end of fighting was the forerunner of Veterans Day as we know it and is the pinnacle event of the ongoing World War I Centennial. Telling the story of Texas and Texans in the Great War to school students is a priority for the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission. To do that, the Texas World War I Centennial Commemoration Association has partnered with the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) for 100 Years / 100 Schools.

Schools can register for the 100 Years / 100 Schools Veterans Day event with THC by October 1, 2018. The program offers all schools teaching aids and resources for educators. Registered schools that share information on their event by November 30 (short event summary, number of students attending, at least one photo of your Veterans Day activity, etc.) will receive for an additional WWI Centennial Packet containing a variety of Centennial commemoration items.

The 100 Years / 100 Schools Veterans Day initiative is open to all public schools, private schools, and home school collaborative programs. Here are some steps and suggestions for educators interested in participating:

Access the WWI Veterans Day Resource Center. With the help of THC and TSHA we have assembled instructional materials, videos and images that are ready to use on our Google Drives site at TXWWICC Veterans Day 2018. The material include ready-made presentations suitable for student assemblies, classroom activities, and other Veterans Day commemorations. TSHA has prepared an excellent teaching resource list.
Set you plans early and lets us what you have scheduled. To track our 100 schools goal, register your school event with THC. Let us know what you have planned as early as possible to receive updates and additional resources on the WWI Centennial.
Engage community partners. Veterans and civic organizations (the VFW, American Legion, and DAR are National partners), County Historical Commissions, and City/municipal officials are welcomed partners. The event can include local museums that may have WWI artifacts or exhibits. It can also be an opportunity for a school-municipality to publish an official WWI proclamation (TXWWICC has standard format ready to use on the WWI Veterans Day Resource Center shared drive).
Make it official. Once you have established a school partnership and let us know about it, use the TXWWICC, THC and USWWICC WWI Centennial logos on any materials related to this initiative.

“Reaching 100 schools to mark the WWI Centennial means we’ve reached kids who may not even know about the significance of the Great War,” said Jim Hodgson, one of the founding Directors of the Texas WWI Centennial Commemoration Association. “Over 190,000 Texans served, 5,171 gave their lives, and the date we commemorate as Veterans Day is a result of the armistice on November 11, 1918.”

The Texas WWI Centennial Commemoration (TXWWICC) is a non-profit voluntary effort and part of the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission (established by Act of Congress in 2013) effort. The WWI Centennial relies on individual schools, teachers, and Texans to connect with students in their community.

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Bells of Peace: A World War I Remembrance

Texas WWI Centennial — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 02:54:38 +0000

At 11:00am on November 11, 1918, the fighting ended. Bells tolled around the world to mark the end of the Great War. The Texas WWI Centennial Commemoration is asking municipalities, religious congregations, and organizations around to participate in BELLS OF PEACE: A WORLD WAR ONE REMEMBRANCE on November 11 at 11:00 am local time in honor the 116,516 American men & women who died in WWI.

The World War One Centennial Commission, along with the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are co-sponsors of BELLS OF PEACE: A WORLD WAR ONE REMEMBRANCE.

BELLS OF PEACE is a collaborative program, whereby American citizens and organizations, across the entire country, are invited to toll bells in their communities twenty-one times on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.local time.

Conceived and designed in collaboration with the nation’s veterans of service with the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the bell tolling provides a solemn reminder of the sacrifice and service of veterans of World War I, and all veterans.

Bells will be tolled in communities across the nation, in places of worship, schools, town halls, public carillons, and cemeteries, to mark the centennial of the Armistice that brought an end to hostilities, in what Americans fervently hoped had been “The War to End All Wars.”

This nationwide program is designed to honor those American men and women who served one hundred years ago, during World War One. The war ended by an armistice agreement between the warring countries at 11 a.m. on November 11th, 1918.

The World War I Centennial Commission has created a page on its website (ww1cc.org/bells) where people can find information and tools to conduct the bell tolling, and to meaningfully commemorate the service of their local World War One veterans.

In Texas, the Texas World War I Centennial Commemoration (TXWWICC) is actively encouraging communities, organizations, schools, and religious congregations to participate in the BELLS OF PEACE commemoration. TXWWICC will compile a state-wide record of participating communities and organizations. In advance of BELLS OF PEACE, we will help publicize the event. Plan to let us know in advance and submit any photos or documentation immediately after the event.

World War One took place between July 1914 and November 1918, and was one of the deadliest conflicts in world history. Over nine million combatants and seven million civilians died as a result of the war. The Unites States officially entered the war on April 6th, 1917. Some 4.7 million Americans stepped forward to serve in uniform during the war, 2 million of them were deployed overseas to fight, and 116,516 of them never made it home. Over 5,100 of these casualties were Texans.

The U.S. World War One Centennial Commission was established by Congress in 2013 to provide education programs, public outreach, and commemorative events regarding the American involvement in the war. The Centennial Commission was also authorized by Congress to create a new national-level memorial in the nation’s capital, to honor the men and women who served. Information on the new National World War One Memorial can be found at www.ww1cc.org/memorial.

The American Legion was founded by three World War One veterans in 1919, as a verteran support organization made up of former and current U.S. military members. Throughout its history, The Legion has been committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in America’s communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and support for servicemembers and veterans.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars was founded in 1899 to support all honorably-discharged servicemembers, from any military branch, who served the U.S. in wars, campaigns, expeditions, on foreign soil, or hostile waters. The VFW grew rapidly after World War One, with hundreds of thousands eligible veterans returning from the war. Today, it stands with the American Legion as the two largest veteran service organizations in the world.

While it is a Congressional Commission, the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission operates largely through private donation. The founding sponsor for the Centennial Commission was the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, in Chicago. The leading sponsor for the Centennial Commission is the Starr Foundation, based in Washington DC. Other major supporters include the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, the Bloomberg Foundation, and the General Motors Foundation. See these web site for more information:

Information on the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission can be found here www.ww1cc.org.
Information on the Society of the Honor Guard can be found here www.tombguard.org.
Information on the Pritzker Military Museum and Library can be found here www.pritzkerlibrary.org.
Information on the Starr Foundation can be found here www.starrfoundation.org.
Information on the Veterans of Foreign Wars can be found here www.vfw.org.
Information on the American Legion can be found here www.legion.org./

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TEXAS WWI CENTENNIAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS: DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Texas WWI Centennial — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 22:07:27 +0000

Whether it involves planting poppies, honoring Texas WWI Medal of Honor recipients, or commemorations ceremonies around the state (and the globe), Texas Chapters of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) chapter have been front and center. Texas communities and organizations planning WWI Centennial commemoration events have a ready partner in their local Daughters of the NSDAR.

The organization has long been aligned with patriotism and recogntion of wartime service and sacrifice. DAR member Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross. Jane Delano, another DAR member, almost single-handedly created American Red Cross nursing became Superintendent of the United States Army Nurse Corps in 1909 and organized emergency response teams for disaster relief which assured over 8,000 registered nurses were trained and ready for duty by the time the United States entered World War I.)

The NSDAR (often simply known as DAR) is a proud partner with the World War One Centennial Commission, and they have already initiated or participated in WWI Centennial commemorations in many different ways. In Texas, DAR chapters have been working to honor the Centennial, too. The exhibit “America and World War I” was featured at the DAR House during the Texas State Fair. Texas chapters donated $75,000 to the Veterans War Memorial of Texas in McAllen (which honors veterans of all wars, including WWI veterans), laid a wreath at WWI Memorial in Galveston, and arranged a collection of WWI memorabilia for the TXDAR World War I Project (part of the Briscoe Center exhibit on display at the University of Texas Bass Concert Hall).

In 2017, San Antonio Daughters (12 NSDAR chapters) were particular active. On April 5-6, members assisted with Commemoration events at the State Capitol and passage of a resolutions by the State legislature. In May, members of one San Antonio chapter held a WWI family artifact sharing event.

“It was a WWI Show & Tell,” according to Debbie Wall of the San Antonio de Bexar Chapter. “We photographed each presenter and made a touching video which our chapter emailed to the membership on Memorial Day. One of our members made a book about her father’s service and has been asked to present the program for other lineage groups.”

Joan Howland Hoyumpa (San Antonio de Bexar Chapter) share photo of her grandfather, James Jasper De Forest, DeForest

The Green Mountain Boys Chapter conducted a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of Texan David Barkley on July 4, 2017. Barkley was the first Hispanic Medal of Honor recipient and one of four Texans to receive the Medal for actions in the Great War (his was posthumous).

In December, Lorena Repaal coordinated with members, the U.S. Counsel General, and Australian veterans groups to orchestrate a wreath-laying ceremony at the ANZAC WWI Memorial in Sydney, Australia on behalf of the Texas DAR and the Texas WWI Centennial Commemoration.

In North Texas, chapters created, funded, and installed a granite monument honoring WWI on the Collin County Courthouse grounds. Lady Washington Chapter members laid a wreath in honor of the parishioners of Trinity Episcopal Church in Houston that served in World War One. A Waco chapter conducted a ceremony at Carleen Bright Arboretum in Woodway honoring veterans of WWI.

Other Texas Daughters are giving presentations, marking graves, taking photos, laying wreaths and finding many other ways to commemorate the WWI Centennial. The list of activities goes on and on and will undoubtedly continue to grow in 2018.

Bottom line for 2018 Texas WWI Centennial commemorations planning? If you have a DAR chapter in your community and haven’t reached out to connect on collaborating on WWI Centennial commemorations, now is a great time. Find chapters in your area at http://txdar.org/?page_id=564.

Lorena Repaal and other officials at the ANZAC WWI Memorial in Sydney Australia, December 11, 2017.

Nationally, special recognition of the WWI Centennial was given during last year’s Continental Congress and the DAR Americana Collection opened a special exhibit about the work of DAR members throughout the war during the weeklong conference. Other National efforts to promote the WWI Commemoration include the 2017 American History Student Essay Contest, for students in grades five through eight, required students across the nation to focus contest entries on the topic, “World War 1: Remembering the War to End All Wars”. The DAR has embraced the poppy program and offers poppy seed packets at the DAR Store. There is a DAR WWI Centennial Commemoration Facebook page where chapters across the nation and the world share activities.

The NSDAR will likely be part of WWI Memorial dedication activities in November of 2018. The memorial is within walking distance to the National Headquarters and the DAR partnership with the WWI Commemoration began shortly after the USWWICC was established by Congress in 2013.

Special thanks to Ann Dennis, Kathy Hanlon, Lorena Repaal, and Debbie Wall for their contribution to this article and their work promoting the DAR-USWWICC collaboration.

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TEXAS-BASED U.S. ARMY UNITS THAT SERVED; 1918 & 2018

Texas WWI Centennial — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 04:06:21 +0000

Texas supported a significant number of U.S. Army organizations in the Great War, and many of these units still call Texas home. 2018 will mark their participation in key battles in 1918, from the Meuse-Argonne to St. Mihiel. Today these units are represented by U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and Texas National Guard organizations stationed around Texas. Here is our list of those U.S. Army organizations.

You can learn more about how to reach out to these military organizations on WWI Centennial commemorations during 2018-19 by attending the free Texas WWI Centennial planning conference on March 2, 2018 in Austin. Thanks to the U.S. Army Center of Military History for their assistance in reviewing this compilation.

Current Organization Designation/Component	WWI Designation	WWI Campaigns	Location
III Corps / Headquarters & Headquarters Battalion, U.S. Army	Headquarters & Headquarters Troop, III Army Corps	Aisne-Marne Oise-Aisne Meuse-Argonne Champagne 1918 Lorraine 1918	Fort Hood
36^th Infantry Division, Texas National Guard	36^th Division	Meuse-Argonne	Austin
56^th Brigade Combat Team, 36^th Infantry Division, Texas National Guard	1^st Cavalry Brigade	Did not leave U.S.	Fort Worth
72^d Brigade Combat Team, 36^th Infantry Division, Texas National Guard	72^d Infantry Brigade	Meuse-Argonne	Houston
Headquarters & Headquarters Battery, 32^d Army Air & Missile Defense Command, U.S. Army	HQ, 32^d Artillery Brigade	St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne	Fort Bliss
Headquarters & Headquarters Battery, 11^th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, U.S. Army	Battery A, 56^th Artillery Brigade (Coast Artillery Corps)	Aisne-Marne Oise-Aisne Meuse-Argonne Champagne 1918	Fort Bliss
Headquarters & Headquarters Battery, 69^th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, U.S. Army	69^th Artillery (Coast Artillery Corps)	War Service credit	Ft. Hood
3^d Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Army	3^d Cavalry	War Service credit	Ft. Hood
2^d Battalion, 3^d Field Artillery Regiment, U.S. Army	Battery A, 3^d Field Artillery	War Service credit	Ft. Bliss
3^d Squadron, 6^th Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Army	Troop C, 6^th Cavalry	War Service credit	Ft. Bliss
1^st Battalion, 6^th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army	Company A, 6^th Infantry	St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Alsace 1918 Lorraine 1918	Ft. Bliss
4^th Battalion, 6^th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army	Company D, 6^th Infantry	St. Mihiel Neuse-Argonne Alsace 1918 Lorraine 1918	Ft. Bliss
3^rd Battalion, 16^th Field Artillery Regiment, U.S. Army	Battery C, 16^th Field Artillery	Aisne-Marne St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Champagne 1918 Lorraine 1918	Ft. Hood
1^st Battalion, 43^rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, U.S. Army	Battery E, 43^rd Artillery (Coast Artillery Corps)	St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Lorraine 1918	Ft. Bliss
2^nd Battalion, 43^rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, U.S. Army	1^st Company, Coast Defenses of Manila and Subic Bays	St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Lorraine 1918	Ft. Bliss
3^rd Battalion, 43^rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, U.S. Army	17^th Company, Coast Defenses of Manila and Subic Bays	St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Lorraine 1918	Ft. Bliss
1^st Battalion, 44^th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, U.S. Army	Battery E, 44^th Artillery (Coast Artillery Corps)	Champagne-Marne St. Mihiel Lorraine 1918 Alsace 1918 Champaign 1918	Ft. Hood
5^th Battalion, 52^nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, U.S. Army	Battery E, 52^nd Artillery (Coast Artillery Corps)	Champagne-Marne St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Champaign 1918 Lorraine 1918	Ft. Bliss
141^st Infantry Regiment, Texas National Guard	141^st Infantry	Meuse-Argonne	San Antonio
142^d Infantry Regiment, Taexas National Guard	142^d Infantry	Meuse-Argonne	Lubbock
143^dInfantry Regiment, Texas National Guard	143^dInfantry	Meuse-Argonne	Austin
144^th Infantry Regiment, Texas National Guard	144^th Infantry	Meuse-Argonne	Fort Worth
354^th Regiment, U.S. Army Reserve	354^th Infantry	St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Lorraine 1918	Grand Prairie
355^th Regiment, U.S. Army Reserve	355^th Infantry	St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Lorraine 1918	Round Rock
360^th Regiment, U.S. Army	360^th Infantry	St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Lorraine 1918	Ft. Bliss
361^st Regiment, U.S. Army	361^st Infantry	Ypres-Lys Meuse-Argonne Lorraine 1918	Ft. Bliss
362^d Regiment, U.S. Army	362^d Infantry	Ypres-Lys Meuse-Argonne Lorraine 1918	Ft. Bliss
113d Field Artillery Regiment, Texas National Guard	Company G, 144^th Infantry 1^st Battalion, 131^st Field Artillery 132d Field Artillery 133r Field Artillery	Meuse-Argonne	El Paso
HHC, 1^st Medical Brigade, U.S. Army	1^st Sanitation Train	Montdidier-Noyan Aisne-Marne St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Lorraine 1918 Picardy 1918	Ft. Hood
HHC, 136^th Maneuver Enhanced Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve	117^th Supply Train	Champagne-Marne Aisne-Marne St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Lorraine 1918 Champagne 1918	Round Rock

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