sister, 425 Tenth Avenue, Milwaukee, Wis.
SOMERS, VERNON L. . Second Lieutenant
Deceased. U. S. M. C. Killed in action at
Chateau-Thierry, France, June 6, 1918. He gave
the supreme proof of that extraordinary heroism
which will serve as an example to hitherto untried
troops. Next of kin, Mrs. Maggie A. Somers,
mother, Bloxom, Va.
SOMERVELL, BREHON B. Lieutenant Colonel
Engineers, 89th Division. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Pouilly, France, Novem-
ber 5-6, 1918. Voluntarily serving on the staff
of the 89th Division, Lieutenant Colonel Som-
ervell conducted the first engineering reconnais-
sance of the damaged bridges at Pouilly, advanc-
ing more than 500 meters beyond the American
outposts, crossing three branches of the Meuse
River, and successfully reconnoitering the enemy.
Home address, Dr. W. T. Somervell, father, Ward-
man Park Inn, Washington, D. C.
SOMES, RUSSELL V Sergeant
Company I, 125th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Cierges, France, July 31,
1918. He advanced in front of his lines on the
right of Hill No. 212, under heavy machine-gun
fire, and rescued three wounded soldiers. Later
he went out into an advanced machine-gun position
where three men had already been killed and res-
cued the only survivor, who had been blinded by
shell fire and could not help himself. Home ad-
dress, Edward Somes, father, 906 Young Street,
South Sault Marie, Mich.
SOMITZ, CARL Corporal
Company F, 131st Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action at Chipilly Ridge, France,
August 9, 1918. When all the runners of his pla-
toon had failed to establish liaison with the platoon
on the left he succeeded in getting through with a
message. On his return trip he was twice wounded,
but dragged himself along the ground and de-
livered his message before lapsing into unconscious-
ness. Home address, Mrs. F. F. Barchold, mother,
2110 Berwyn Avenue, Chicago, 111.
SONSTELIE, CARL J. . . First Lieutenant
3d Brigade, Tank Corps. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Montfaucon, France,
September 26, 1918. He displayed bravery and
leadership of a high order in the advance toward
Montfaucon by going out ahead of the engineers,
reconnoitering a tank route under fire, and urging
the tanks forward. He located the resistance in the
Bois de Cuisy in advance later rallying disorgan-
ized soldiers and enabling them to hold the Bois
de Cuisy. Home address, Mrs. Carl J. Sonstelie,
wife, 628 Third Avenue, West Kalisfell, Mont.
SORENSON, JOHN S Private
Machine Gun Company, 364th Infantry. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Eclisfontaine,
France, October 4, 1918. Private Sorenson volun-
teered and remained with a wounded comrade in a
gun position when his division was relieved. He
gave all the aid possible and then went some 500
meters through heavy shell and machine-gun fire
for further medical assistance and returned with it
to his companion. Home address, Mrs. Chris-
tiani Sorenson, mother, Worsas, Denmark.
SORENSON, SOREN C. . . First Lieutenant
28th Infantry. When the officers of his unit were
killed or wounded at Cantigny, France, May 28,
1918, and although he himself had been wounded
early in the attack and suffered intensely, he took
command, refused to leave his post, and, by heroic
courage and resolution in resisting counterattacks,
contributed in great measure to the successful de-
fense of his sector. Home address, Mrs. S. C.
Sorenson, 421 East Thirteenth Street, Grand
Island, Neb.
SORROW, LOUIS Corporal
Company B, 307th Field Signal Battalion. For
extraordinary heroism in action near F16ville,
France, October 13-21, 1918. After being on duty
continuously for 36 hours, on October 13, 1918, he
volunteered to repair telephone lines which had
been cut by shell fire. Under extremely heavy bom-
bardment he worked all night repairing breaks in
lines and thereby making possible constant com-
munication with one of the advanced regiments.
On October 21, 1918, after one of his helpers had
been killed and the other wounded by heavy shell
fire, he continued on alone and repaired the tele-
phone lines, displaying unusual bravery and de-
votion to duty. Home address, Mrs. Munnie
Lonow, sister, 835 Beck Street, Bronx, N.Y.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
371
SOUCY, FRED G Private
Company E, 16th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action south of Soissons, France, July
18, 1918. When his platoon was held up by a
machine-gun he, with two other privates who were
killed before reaching the emplacement, charged
the gun, killed the crew of five Germans, and cap-
tured their gun. Home address, Mrs. Maggie
Marquis Soucy, mother, 43 Lincoln Street, Lewis-
ton Me.
with three other soldiers, when they were fired upon
by a hostile machine-gun 50 yards in advance of the
line. After several hand grenades had been thrown
at the machine-gun nest one of the crew was seen
crawling away. Private Spamanato killed this
man with his rifle and then rushed the nest alone,
capturing the gun and three surviving members of
the crew, two others having been killed by hand
grenades. Home address, Mrs. Thersa Spamanato,
wife, Semitile, Province Caserte, Italy.
SOULES, JAMES A. . . Second Lieutenant
16th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Sedan, France, November 6-7, 1918.
Accompanied by another soldier of his platoon,
Lieutenant Soules entered the town of Noyers-
Pout-Maugis, which was held by the enemy, against
murderous machine-gun fire. He routed the gun-
ners, killing one, thereby saving his company from
a harassing flanking fire. Home address, James
Soules, Dickinson, N. Dak.
SOUTHARD, WILLIAM E Major
103d Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Torcy, France, July 18, 1918. Im-
mediately after an enemy barrage was laid down
on his assaulting line, Major Southard pushed for-
ward through the halting ranks and, calling on his
men to follow, advanced at double time to the
storming of Torcy, attaining his objective. He then
organized the defense of the town, supervising the
work under hazardous artillery, machine-gun, and
sniper fire. During the attack, Major Southard's
forces suffered heavily from casualties, yet he reso-
lutely held his position for two days, after which he
was wounded while leading in assault upon the
heights beyond Belleau. Home address, Mrs.
Gertrude M. Southard, wife, 196 Webster Avenue,
Bangor, Me.
SPADAFORA, GUISEPPE .... Private
Headquarters Company, 315th Infantry. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Montfaucon,
France, September 29, 1918. Private Spadafora
was helping to remove a great many wounded men
from a dressing station to a place of comparative
safety, when a heavy enemy bombardment be-
gan. He forced four German prisoners to assist
him and repeatedly entered the heavily shelled
area, bringing out wounded men. Home address,
Mrs. R. Therm, mother, Molette, Province of
Catania, Italy.
SPAFFORD, J. H. . . . First Lieutenant
Deceased. 2d Engineers. For extraordinary
heroism in action. Seeing a combat patrol suddenly
fired upon by an enemy machine-gun nest and hard
pressed, Lieutenant Spafford went to its relief,
courageously leading an attack on the machine
nest. Although wounded in the arm during the
attack, he continued in the action of the attack un-
til he received a second wound, which caused his
death. Next of kin, Mrs. James A. Spafford,
mother, 838 West North Avenue, Baltimore, Md.
SPAIN, GARLAND Corporal
Company E, 322d Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Moranville, France, No-
vember 9, 1918. Leading his squad against six
enemy machine-guns, during which time he was
twice hit by the exacting fire therefrom, Corporal
Spain drove the enemy from the stronghold, mak-
ing possible the further advance of his company.
Home address, Mrs. Mattie Hines, sister, Rocky
Mount, N. C.
SPAMANATO, ANIELLO .... Private
Company L, 357th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, Octo-
ber 25, 1918. Private Spamanato was on a patrol
SPANGLER, LOUIS Private
Company K, 7th Infantry. 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. Home
address, Mrs. G. H. Spangler, mother, Lometa,
Texas.
SPATARO, DOMINCO Private
Company K, 311th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Grand-Pr6, France, October
25-26, 1918. Private Spataro, with hand grenades,
broke up an enemy machine-gun nest and took
four prisoners without assistance. He voluntarily
acted as stretcher bearer for a period of 26 hours,
performing valiant services, until severely wounded.
Home address, Carmelo Spataro, father, Casalia-
vecchio Siccola Province, Messina, Italy.
SPATZ, CARL Major
Pilot, Air Service. For extraordinary heroism
in action during the St. Mihiel offensive, September
26, 1918. Although he had received orders to go to
the United States, he begged for and received per-
mission to serve with a pursuit squadron at the
front. Subordinating himself to men of lower rank,
he was attached to a squadron as a pilot and saw
continuous and arduous service through the offen-
sive. As a result of his efficient work he was pro-
moted tp the position of flight commander. Know-
ing that another attack was to take place in the
vicinity of Verdun, he remained on duty in order to
take part. On the day of the attack west of the
Meuse, while with his patrol over enemy lines, a
number of enemy aircraft were encountered. In
the combat that followed he succeeded in bringing
down three enemy planes. In his ardor and enthu-
siasm he became separated from his patrol while
following another enemy far beyond the lines. His
gasoline giving out, he was forced to land and man-
aged to land within friendly territory. Through
these acts he became an inspiration and example
to all men with whom he was associated. Home
address, Charles B. Spatz, Bayertown, Pa.
SPAULDING, DAVID L Corporal
Company F, 6th Regiment, U. S. M. C. He
returned to the front lines encouraging his men
after being sent to the rear with a severe wound in
the advance on Bouresche, France, on June 6, 1918.
Home address, Frank R. Spaulding, father, R. F. D.
3, Hood River, Ore.
SPAUTZ, MATTHEW Sergeant
Deceased. Company A, 168th Infantry. For
extraordinary heroism in action near the River
Ourcq, northeast of Chateau-Thierry, France.
During the advance of July 30, 1918, while in com-
mand of his platoon, Sergeant Spautz showed ex-
traordinary heroism, leading his men on in the ad-
vance, having three times been knocked down by
enemy shells. After having been wounded by
machine-gun fire, he still continued to advance. He
was finally killed while doing his utmost to advance.
Next of kin, Michael Spautz, father, Davis Avenue,
Dubuque, la.
372
HEROES ALL
SPEARS, GEORGE W Corporal
Company L, 117th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Poncheaux, France, October
7, 1918. When part of the line had been halted by
heavy fire from three machine-gun nesta, Corporal
Spears and Private Thomas G. Cagle, armed only
with rifles and bayonets, rushed the nearest hostile
position, and, of the crew of six, killed three and put
the remainder to flight. Being unable to advance
on two other guns because of their heavy fire, these
two soldiers then opened fire with their rifles and
forced the reminder of the crew of approximately
12 to abandon the position after two of their num-
ber had been killed and two wounded. Home ad-
dress, R. J. Spears, father, Lenoir City, Tenn.
SPEERS, THOMAS G. . . First Lieutenant
Chaplain, 102d Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action at Marcheville, France, Septem-
ber 26, 1918. He accompanied the advance ele-
ments, which were constantly under terrific artil-
lery and machine-gun fire during the action. He
was continually aiding and cheering the wounded,
and particularly distinguished himself by carrying
a wounded officer to a dressihg station through
heavy artillery and machine-gun barrage. Home
address, James M. Speers, 81 South Mountain
Avenue, Montclair, N. J.
SPENCER, EDWARD L. . Second Lieutenant
371st Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action north of Ardeuil, France, September 30,
1918. Having been wounded in the leg by ma-
chine-gun fire, Lieutenant Spencer nevertheless
continued to remain with his platoon, leading it
successfully through an intense barrage of machine-
gun and artillery fire to its objective. He remained
on duty with his command, until two days later,
when his regimental commander ordered him to the
rear. Home address, J. T. Spencer, father, Lenoir,
N.C.
SPENCER, ERIC W. ..... Sergeant
Machine Gun Company, 106th Infantry. For
extraordinary heroism in action near St. Souplet,
France, October 17, 1918. During the fording of
the La Selle River and the heights beyond, he ad-
vanced against a nest of enemy snipers under heavy
machine-gun and shell fire, and by his courage and
bravery succeeded in killing four of the enemy.
Home address, Mrs. R. W. Fistere, sister, 23
Williams Street, New London, Conn.
SPENCER, ERNEST Private
81st Company, 6th Machine Gun Battalion,
U. S. M. C. For extraordinary heroism in action
near Thiaucourt, France, September 12-15, 1918.
Private Spencer repeatedly volunteered and car-
ried messages through intense machine-gun and
artillery fire, obtaining valuable information at
critical moments. Home address, Mrs. Sarah
Spencer, mother, Toppenish, Wash.
SPENCER, GILBERT A. . . First Sergeant
Company K, 9th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 18,
1918. After being severely wounded and ordered
to the rear by his commanding officer, Sergeant
Spencer gathered together about 15 men who were
retreating, took them back to the line and turned
them over to the commanding officer of his com-
pany. Home address, T. A. Spencer, father, Sum-
ner, Mich.
SPENCER, JOHN D.
First Lieutenant
Company B, 127th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action at Fismes, France, August 4,
1918. While leading his company in the attack
against Fismes he was knocked down and severely
wounded by machine-gun fire. Without regard
to hia wounds he regained his feet and continued to
lead his command until again severely wounded.
Home address, Mrs. John D. Spencer, wife, Osh-
kosh, Wis.
SPENCER, LORILLARD .... Major
369th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action in the Champagne Sector, France, Septem-
ber 26, 1918. Commanding a battalion which was
in action for the first time, Major Spencer inspired
his men by his own coolness and courage under in-
tense machine-gun fire. He continually exposed
himself without regard for personal safety until he
was wounded six times. Home address, Mrs.
Lorillard Spencer, wife, 71 East Eighty-second
Street, New York City.
SPENCER, WILLIAM H. . Second Lieutenant
Infantry. He led his platoon in an attack which
stormed and took the strongly prepared enemy posi-
tions on the heights north of the River Ouroq,
near Villers-sur-Fere, France, on July 28, 1918.
He maintained the position thus gained under a fire
that lasted for seven hours. During this entire
time he continually circulated among his men,
cheering them, and giving the wounded first aid.
In order to reach and administer aid to his wounded
captain, he passed without cover into an area which
was under extremely heavy machine-gun fire and
was himself wounded. Home address, William
Spencer, 519 West Sixth Street, Erie, Pa.
SPEROS, THOMAS Sergeant
Company B, 165th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Landres-et-Saint Georges,
France, October 15, 1918. Sergeant Speros, after
all his officers and first sergeant had become cas-
ualties, took command of his company, led them
forward under heavy artillery and machine-gun
fire, and retained complete control of the company,
although suffering heavy casualties and under try-
ing conditions, until relieved at the close of the day.
Home address, Peter Giacoumos, 284 Third Avenue,
New York City.
SPESSARD, RUTHERFORD H. . . Major
58th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Ville-Savoy, France, August 6, and near
Bois de Fays, France, October 2, 1918. During the
crossing of the Vesle River Major Rutherford H.
Spessard (then captain), when his battalion com-
mander was killed, immediately assumed command
of the battalion without orders and led them across
the Vesle River against strongly fortified enemy
positions, displaying absolute disregard for his per-
sonal danger. On October 2, in the vicinity of the
Bois de Fays, Major Spessard exposed himself to
intense enemy artillery and machine-gun fire while
making observations and directing the movement of
his men. He established his battalion headquarters
a short distance to the rear of his lines in a position
continually subjected to severe enemy artillery fire.
Home address, Mrs. Martha H. Spessard, wife,
Uniontown, Ala.
SPICKERMAN, RAYMOND H. . Corporal
Deceased. Machine-Gun Company, 107th In-
fantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near
Ronssoy, France, September 29, 1918. Corporal
Spickerman and his machine-gunner pushed for-
ward to a blind trench, which was partially sur-
rounded by machine-gunners and snipers, under
terrific machine-gun and trench-mortar fire and
through a heavy smoke screen. He barricaded a
sap at the most dangerous position, only a few yards
from the enemy machine-guns, and, after killing
four of the enemy with a rifle, was mortally wounded
but continued to hold his position until he died.
Next of kin, Herman Spickerman, father, Bloom-
ville, N. Y.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
373
SPINNEY, GEORGE J Corporal the same day he attacked a formation of five enemy
Deceased. Company C, 101st Infantry. For
extraordinary heroism in action north of Verdun,
France, October 27, 1918. While advancing with
the first wave Corporal Spinney, with another
soldier, attacked a machine-gun nest and killed two
of the crew. While attempting to capture the re-
mainder of the crew this gallant officer was himself
killed. Home address, Mrs. Anna Spinney, mother,
Faneuil Terrace, Brighton, Mass.
SPITZNAGEL, CHARLES .... Corporal
Company C, 15th Machine-Gun Battalion-
For extraordinary heroism in action in the Bois de
Rappe, France, October 21, 1918. Corporal
Spitznagel displayed utter disregard for his personal
safety in the attack on the Rappe, when his gunner
was severely wounded and his leader killed. He
then fired the gun himself, until he was seriously
wounded, when he refused to be evacuated, but
remained with his crew, encouraging them and di-
recting their fire until relieved two hours later.
Home address, John Spitznagel, father, 406 West
McMicken Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio.
SPIVEY, FRED F Sergeant
Company B, 6th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Romagne, France, October
14-18, 1918. Sergeant Spivey set a splendid ex-
ample to his men while in command of a platoon
under severe machine-gun fire, personally capturing
two machine-guns. Home address, David Spivey,
father, Vincent, Ky.
SPRAGUE, ALMON E Private
Medical Detachment, 355th Infantry. For extra-
ordinary heroism in action near Tailly, France,
November 4, 1918. Under heavy artillery and
machine-gun fire, he exposed himself fearlessly on
the battle-field, to give first aid to the wounded,
showing marked personal valor. When his band-
ages were expended, he obtained a fresh supply and,
under the continuous fire of a sniper, went to the
assistance of 20 wounded men, bound up their
wounds, and saw that the more serious cases were
first carried from the field. Home address, Mrs.
Elizabeth Sprague, Catawba, Wis.
SPRAGUE, CHANDLER . . First Lieutenant
Company K, 115th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Balschwiller, Alsace,
August 31, 1918. Upon returning from a raid
which he led against enemy trenches, Lieutenant
Sprague found one of his men was missing. Ac-
companied by one man, he promptly and volun-
tarily returned through artillery, machine-gun, and
rifle fire, found the missing man, who had been
wounded and carried him back to the American
lines. Home address, A. D. Sprague, brother,
Haverhill, Mass.
SPRINGER, FRANK Private
Deceased. Company C, 1st Engineers. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons
France, July 20, 1918. When volunteers were
called for by his company commander, Private
Springer volunteered and rescued wounded com-
rades from a barrage. Disregarding danger to
himself, he continued the performance of these
heroic deeds until killed. Next of kin, Mrs.
Margaret Springer, mother, 808 South Broadway,
Green Bay, Wis.
SPRINGS, ELLIOTT WHITE . First Lieutenant
. Air Service. For extraordinary heroism in ac-
tion near Bapaume, France, August 22, 1918.
Attacking three enemy planes (type Fokker),
who were driving on one of our planes, Lieutenant
bprings, after a short and skillful fight, drove off
two of the enemy and shot down the third. On
planes (type Fokker), and after shooting down one
plane was forced to retire because of lack of am-
munition. Home address, Leroy Springs, father,
Lancaster, S. C.
SPROUSE, ROBERT . . . First Sergeant
Company A, 30th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Crezancy, France, July
15-16, 1918. Throughout the engagement,
Sergeant Sprouse encouraged his men by his gal-
lant conduct. After the company was ordered to
withdraw, Sergeant Sprouse voluntarily returned
to the position his companv had held and, through-
out the night of July 15-16, assisted in evacuating
the wounded. Home address, Miss Tessie Bland-
ing, cousin, 479 James Street, Syracuse, N. Y.
SRYGLEY, ELA M. . . . First Lieutenant
Medical Corps. 4th Machine Gun Battalion.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Medeah
Ferme, France, October 8-9, 1918. When a pla-
toon was being heavily gassed and under intense
artillery and machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Srygley
voluntarily left the shelter of his dressing station,
proceeded to the line, and rendered invaluable aid
to the wounded. On October 9, Lieutenant
Srygley again left the shelter of his dressing station
and under intense fire, voluntarily went to the as-
sistance of the wounded of the 141st Infantry.
Home address, Mrs. F. B. Srygley, 16 Academy
Place, Nashville, Tenn.
STACKPOLE, Jr., E. J Captain
110th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Baslieux, France, August 24, 1918.
Directed to advance to a new position, he led his
men forward with great gallantry although pain-
fully wounded in the back and leg by shell frag-
ments, he remained on duty with his men, inspiring
them by his courage and coolness to hold a difficult
position against repeated attacks by the enemy in
force for a period of 24 hours. Home address,
Mrs. E. J. Stackpole, Jr., wife, Harrisburg, Pa.
STADIE, HERMAN EDWARD . . Captain
306th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action at Feme des Dames, west of Fismes, France ,
August 20, 1918. While the vicinity of the regi-
mental command post where he was stationed was
under heavy bombardment, Captain Stadie, with-
out thought of personal danger, voluntarily ran
outside, through shrapnel and high-explosive shells,
and rescued a wounded runner. Home address,
Miss Ida Stadie, sister, 2564 Creston Avenue,
New York City.
STAFFORD, CHARLES .... Sergeant
Company D, 166th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action in the St. Mihiel offensive, Sept-
ember 12, 1918. Personally reconnoitering an en-
emy position, Sergeant Stafford encountered and
captured single handed six of the enemy. Home
address, Mrs. Douglas Stafford, mother, 808
East Church Street, Marion, Ohio.
STAFFORD, THOMAS Private
Company L, 127th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Juvigny, France, September
1, 1918. Locating an enemy machine-gun nest,
Private Stafford, upon his own initiative, organ-
ized a patrol and led it in an attack on the hostile
position, thereby facilitating the advance of the
company. Home address, James Stafford, father,
217 Mill Street, Rhinelander, Wis.
STAINS, TRACY R. . . Second Lieutenant
28th Infantry. After being severely wounded at
the beginning of the engagement near Bezy-le-Sec,
France, July 18, 1918, he continued to lead his
command forward until he had taken positions as-
374
HEROES ALL
signed to him. He declined medical assistance and
did not retire to an aid station until he had seen to