Meuse operations October 9-26, 1918. With no
Infantry support, his platoon withstood an enemy
attack for two days, during which time two of his
men and one gun were captured. He planned and
carried out a counter attack, using in part captured
enemy guns, and succeeded in releasing his own
men and capturing about 50 prisoners. Home ad-
dress, Charles Bicknell, Main Street, Westford,
Mass.
BIEMAN, JOSEPH Private
Headquarters Company, 120th Field Artillery.
For extraordinary heroism in action at St. Villes,
near Fismes, France, August 4-5, 1918. Through-
out two days Pvt. Bieman maintained the telephone
lines running into battalion headquarters, making
frequent repairs of the lines, amid falling walls and
heavy bombardment by both gas and high explos-
ives shells. Home address, Charles Bieman, father,
1538 South Tenth Street, Sheboygan, Wis.
BIEMUELLER, ORIGINES P. . . Wagoner
Ambulance Company 110, 103d Sanitary Train.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes,
France, August 10-13, 1918. Because of the des-
truction from shell fire of 10 of the 13 ambulances
of his company, he worked for 48 hours driving
through shell swept and gas-infested areas, thereby
56
HEROES ALL
making possible the evacuation of the wounded.
Home address, Rev. A. Biemueller, Tacony,
Philadelphia, Pa.
BIERYTA, MICHAEL Private
Deceased. Company M, 131st Infantry. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Bois de Har-
ville, France, November 10, 1918. Under terrific
machine-gun fire, he advanced through forty feet
of wire entanglements, hacking his way with his
bayonet, so that his platoon could pass through to
their objective. He was mortally wounded by
enemy fire as he finished his work. Next of kin,
Wiktavia Laysienska, sister, 1719 Weat Eighteenth
Place, Chicago, 111.
BIGONEY, PHILIP W. . . First Sergeant
Company H, 307th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Chateau-Diable, France,
August 27, 1918, and September 8, 1918. With
utter disregard for his own safety, he dressed the
wounds of many of his comrades under the intense
machine-gun and rifle fire from the enemy's lines.
On September 8 he rescued a wounded officer from
a heavy barrage, carried him to a place of safety,
and dressed his wounds. Home address, Mrs.
Philip W. Bigoney, 442 Eighth Street, Brooklyn,
BILITSKI, JOHN N. F Sergeant
Company A, 108th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action east of Ronssoy, France, Sept-
ember 29, 1918. During the operations against
the Hindenburg line, Sergt. Billitski, although
twice wounded, refused to leave the field, but re-
mained with his platoon, exhibiting magnificent
courage and bravery, until he was wounded a third
time. His devotion to duty set a splendid example
to the men of his company. Home address, Mrs.
Florence Bilitski, wife, 21 Olga Place, Buffalo, N. Y.
BILLINGSLEY, EARL .... Sergeant
Company H, 61st Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Dun sur Meuse, France,
November 5, 1918. Sergt. Billingsley voluntarily
went forward alone against an enemy machine-gun
nest which was holding up the advance of his line,
wounding and capturing one prisoner and putting
the remaining occupant to flight. Home address,
Annie Billingsley, mother, Bauxite, Ark.
BILLIS, GUST Sergeant
Company A, 113th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Bois-d'Amont, France
October 12, 1918. With disregard for his personal
safety, Sergt. Billis saved the life of an officer of his
company by attacking and killing two Germans
who were about to strike the officer in the back.
Later the same day he attacked, of his own accord,
several machine-gun nests, always returning with
prisoners, machine guns, or both. Home address,
Nick Jeatran, friend, Olympic Candy Store, Menom-
onie, Wis.
BILLMAN, FRED E Private
Medical detachment 47th Infantry. For extra-
ordinary heroism in action at Sergy, France, July
29-30, 1918. Pvt. Billman displayed conspicuous
bravery by administering first aid to wounded
soldiers in areas swept by shell and machine-gun
fire. Home address, Mrs. Rosa Heller, mother,
Center Street, Windgap, Pa.
BILLS, ANTHONY C Corporal
Headquarters Company, Seventh Field Artillery.
Near Cantigny, France, May 28-31, 1918 he vol-
untarily and constantly was exposed to shell fire to
repair important telephone lines. During the per-
formance of this work he lost an arm and was other-
wise seriously injured. Home address, Anthony
Bills, father, 315 Wood Street, DuBois, Pa.
BINGHAM, JOHN P Corporal
Company D, 107th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Ronssoy, France, September
29, 1918. During the operations against the Hin-
denburg line Cprpl. Bingham left shelter and went
forward, crawling on his hands and knees under
heavy machine-gun fire to the aid of a wounded
officer and a wounded soldier. With the assistance
of another soldier he succeeded in dragging and
carrying them back to the shelter of a trench. Home
address, Mrs. M. G. Bingham, sister, Douglaston
Park, Douglaston, L. I.
BINKLEY, DAVID V Private
Company I, 168th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action at Hill No. 212, near Sergy, north-
east of Chateau-Thierry, France, July 28, 1918. He
sought and obtained permission to go out in front
of our lines and recover his corporal, who was lying
severely wounded in the open. He crossed an open
area that was swept for more than 50 yards by
enemy machine guns, reached the corporal, and
carried him safely back into our lines. Later he
was wounded, but refused to go to the aid station
until his company had won its objective. Home
address, H. R. Werner, 708 Northwestern Avenue,
Ames, la.
BINKNELL, LeROY A Sergeant
Company D, 9th Machine Gun Battalion. For
extraordinary heroism in action during the Argonne-
Meuse operations, October 9-26, 1918. With no
infantry support, his platoon withstood an enemy
attack for two days, during which time two of his
men and one gun were captured. He planned and
carried out a counterattack, using in part captured
enemy guns, and succeeded in releasing his own
men and capturing about 50 prisoners. Home ad-
dress, Charles Binknell, Main Street, Westford,
Mass. '
BIRCH, ALBERT E. . . Second Lieutenant
Deceased. 342d Machine Gun Battalion. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Bois de Ban-
theville, France, November 1, 1918. Although
suffering from a wound received during the action
of November 1, Lieut. Birch refused to go to the
rear for treatment, but continued on duty with his
platoon throughout a very critical period. He re-
mained on duty until the morning of November 11,
when he was killed. Next of kin, Clarence E. Birch,
father, Haskell Institute, Lawrence, Kansas.
BIRCH, ERNEST Corporal
Battery D, 5th Field Artillery. With conspic-
uous bravery, he voluntarily left his dugout under
intense enemy bombardment and, without assis-
tance, rescued a comrade who was lying outside,
wounded and exposed to enemy fire. Home address,
Christian Birch, father, Mayer, Arizona.
BIRCH, ROBERT I Sergeant
Company E, 16th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Sedan, France, November
6-7, 1918. Sergt. Birch voluntarily led a small
group against an enemy machine-gun nest which
was impeding the progress of his company. Al-
though severely wounded in the attack, he succeed-
ed in silencing the gun nest, and remained until the
mission was completed. Home address, John
Birch, Alice, S. D.
BIRCHFIELD, KENNETH . . . Corporal
Company B, 60th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Cunel, France, October 14,
1918. Pvt. Birchfield advanced alone upon a
machine gun, which was holding up the platoon
150 yards in advance of his company, killed the
gunner with the butt of his rifle, and forced two
other gunners to surrender. Home address, Mrs.
Jennie Birchfield, mother, Henderson, W. Va.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
57
BIRD, FELIX Private
132nd Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Consenvoye, France, October 9, 1918.
Advancing alone against a dugout, Pvt. Bird cap-
tured forty-nine of the enemy, and killed one officer,
who attempted to escape. Home address, Mrs.
Rose Bird, mother, 2222 South Albany Avenue,
Chicago, IU.
BIRD, FRANCIS M. . . Pharmacist's Mate
5th Regiment, U. S. M. C. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Suippes, France, October
3-7, 1918. Pharmacists Mate Bird showed great
courage in caring for and evacuating the wounded
under heavy shell fire, and at one time he alone
brought a wounded man from the field after two
litter bearers had been killed. Home address,
Joseph M. Bird, father, 1130 Harvard Avenue,
Salt Lake City, Utah.
BIRD, HOBART M.
Sergeant
Battery A, 147th Field Artillery. For extra-
ordinary heroism in action near St. Gilles, France,
August 12, 1918. After being painfully wounded
by an exploding shell, Sergt. Bird, with no thought
of his own wound, assisted a more severely wound
C9mrade to the first-aid station and then walked a
distance of 1J^ kilometers over a heavily shelled
road in quest of ambulance and stretchers. Home
address, Mrs. Lydia Bird, mother, 662 Williams
Avenue, Portland, Ore.
BIRGANDO, WILLIAM J. Private (First Class)
Company I, 102d Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Verdun, France, October
27, 1918. During the attack on Hill 360, north of
Verdun, on October 27, Pvt. Birgando, in charge
of a squad, made a desperate attempt to silence a
machine gun which was holding up the advance of
the entire company. The nature of the terrain
made this attack more than hazardous, but Pvt.
Birgando, nevertheless, persisted until the entire
squad, himself included, had become casualties.
Home address, Mrs. Katherine Birgando, mother,
118 Maple Street, Meriden, Conn.
BIRMINGHAM, DANIEL J. First Lieutenant
28th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Soissons, France, July 18. Though twice
wounded Lieut. Birmingham refused to be eva-
cuated until the objective had been gained and the
position consolidated. Again, in the attack on
Exermont, October 4, he continued in command of
his battalion, after suffering a dangerous wound in
the hip, until all the objectives had been taken and
the positions consolidated. Home address, W. J.
Birmingham, father, 437 Fifth Avenue, New York,
BIRNEY, KNOX B. . . . First Lieutenant
Deceased. 6th Engineers. For extraordinary
heroism in action at Claires-Chenes Woods, France,
October 20, 1918. Lieut. Birney on his own initia-
tive took 12 men from his platoon and charged a
number of machine-gun nests which had been hold-
ing up the advance for two hours. Attacking them
across open ground, he cleaned out the nests and
captured 42 prisoners. In attacking other nests in
the vicinity he lost his life. His courageous act
made it possible for the attacking troops to gain and
hold the woods with minimum number of casualties.
Next of kin, Dr. H. H. Birney, father, 4016 Chest-
nut Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
BISCHOFF, CLIFFORD E. . First Lieutenant
128th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Juvigny, France, August 29, and Sept-
ember 2, 1918. Rendered unconscious by a bursting
shell, which wounded his company commander,
Lieut. Bischoff took command of his company as
soon as he regained consciousness and later assumed
command of the battalion when the battalion com-
mander was gassed. After being relieved of com-
mand he went forward on a reconnaissance with one
soldier and the two of them alone captured 75 of
the enemy. Home address, Mrs. J. F. Bischoff,
mother, 340 West Fourth Street, Superior, Wia.
BISER, JOHN L - Private
Deceased. Company B, 115th Infantry. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun,
France, October 10, 1918. While under intense
machine-gun and artillery fire Pvt. Biser disregarded
his personal safety, administered first aid to a
wounded comrade near him, and was instantly kill-
ed by a shell. Next of kin, Mrs. John L. Biaer,
Hagerstown, Md.
BISHOP, GEORGE O Private
Company G, 38th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Mezy, France, July 15, 1918.
Against the advice of his companions, Pvt. Bishop
advanced through intense artillery and machine-
gun fire against an enemy machine gun, which was
maintaining a damaging fire on his company.
Single handed, he killed the crew of this gun, re-
turning to our lines with the captured gun. Home
address, Joe Hundley, stepfather, Salem, Va.
BISHOP, RALPH L. . . Second Lieutenant
102d Infantry. He was in command of a working
party of about 30 men on the night of February 28,
1918. He encountered a heavy barrage of the
enemy, which protected the advance of enemy
assault troops. With coolness and courage he
immediately placed his men in shell holes, fought
off the enemy, and twice walked through the
enemy's and our own barrage to recover the remains
of one of his party and to collect his own men.
Home address, G. Herbert Bishop, father, 28
Pearl Street, New Haven, Conn.
BIWAN, JOSEPH . . Private (First Class)
Headquarters Company, 120th Field Artillery.
For extraordinary heroism in action at St. Gilles,
near Fismes, France, August 4-5, 1918. Through-
out two days he maintained the telephone lines run-
ning into battalion headquarters, making frequent
repairs of the lines amid falling walls and heavy
bombardment by both gas and high-explosive shells.
Home address, Charles Biwan, father, 1538 South
10th Street, Sheboygan, Wis.
BLACK, FREDERICK W Captain
Medical Corps, 28th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 18-22,
1918. He went over the top to the attack in the
first wave and was wounded on the morning of the
first day. Disregarding his wound, he pressed on
with the attacking troops and crossed and recrossed
the sector immediately behind the most advanced
wave, rendering first aid to wounded and placing
them in shell holes. He worked unceasingly without
sleep or rest and was again wounded on the fourth
day by shell fire. Though twice wounded, he stead-
ily refused to be evacuated until the evening of the
fourth day, when he was exhausted and suffering
from his wounds. Home address, D. R. Black,
father, 57 Riverside Drive, Huntington, Pa.
BLACK, WILLIAM A Private
Company E, Sixth Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action during the Meuse offensive No-
vember 3-4, 1918. After three runners had been
wounded in an attempt to deliver an important
message, Pvt. Black volunteered and delivered the
message, twice crossing a valley swept by machine-
gun and artillery fire, and wading a river filled with
ice and slush. Home address, Mrs. Margie Black,
Clarke, La.
HEROES ALL
BLACKBURN, RAYMOND . . . Sergeant
Company C, 308th Infantry- For extraordinary
heroism in action near Binarville, France, October 2,
1918. Sergt. Blackburn volunteered and led a recon-
naissance patrol, and while returning to his com-
pany commander with his information one of the
patrol became detached, and was in danger of being
captured by the enemy. Realizing his comrade's
predicament Sergt. Blackburn rushed to his aid and
rescued him, killing two of the enemy and dispersing
the others. Home address, T. L. Blackburn, father,
163 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, N. Y.
BLACKBURN, WALDEN E. . . . Corporal
Company C, 324th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Manhuelles, France, Novem-
ber 9, 1918. Corp. Blackburn, after having part of
his right breast torn away, remained on duty direct-
ing his squad for 36 hours, when he fainted from ex-
haustion, and was carried from the field. Home ad-
dress, William E. Blackburn, R. F. D. No. 2, Bell-
buckle, Tenn.
BLACKHAM, HENRY R. . Second Lieutenant
Deceased. 116th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Brabant, France, October 11,
1918. Although severely wounded by machine-gun
fire, Lieut. Blackham refused to go to the rear and
continued to lead his company until he was killed.
Next of kin, Mrs. Clara A. Blackham, Jersey City,
BLACKINTON, GEO. W. . . Lieut.-Colonel
353d Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in ac-
tion near Xammes, France, September 12-13, 1918.
Having moved his battalion to an advanced posi-
tion, in accordance with orders, Major Blackin-
ton found himself without support on either flank
and no supporting machine guns or artillery two
kilometers in advance of our main front line. In
spite of his perilous situation this officer, with the
utmost coolness and good judgment, set to work in-
trenching and consolidating the position determined
to hold it at all costs, though his battalion was sub-
jected to artillery and machine-gun fire and was
threatened by counter attack by the enemy in
force. Home address, Mrs. W. J. Blackinton,
mother, 205 West Ninth Street, Flint, Mich.
BLAIR, GEORGE A Captain
117th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Fremont, France, October 8, 1918.
During the advance from Geneve to Fremont, Capt.
Blair was seriously wounded by machine-gun fire.
Despite his condition, he insisted on remaining with
his company, and allowed himself to be evacuated
only after his objective had been reached, his posi-
tion reorganized, and liaison established with flank-
units. Home address, Mrs. George A. Blair, Knox-
ville, Tenn.
BLAIR, JOHN E Private
Deceased. Company E, 104th Infantry. During
action of April 12, 1918, he displayed exceptional
coolness and devotion to duty in declining to seek
cover during bombardment and continuing at his
post in exposed position awaiting attack of enemy.
Killed in action April 13, 1918. Next of kin, Albert
Blair, father, 82 State Road, North Adams, Mass.
BLAIR, TRACY S Corporal
Deceased. Company E, 353d Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Baricourt,
France, November 1-2, 1918. After his platoon had
reached its objective Corporal Blair voluntarily
accompanied his platoon commander on a recon-
naissance patrol of the enemy's positions. They
came upon a large body of German troops without
being discovered, and Corporal Blair, under fire of
artillery and machine guns, went back and brought
up two platoons, which drove off the hostile force
and captured a number of prisoners. The follow-
ing day, while advancing in the face of severe
machine-gun fire, Corporal Blair was fatally
wounded. Next of kin, Mrs. Mary C. Blair,
mother, Cotter, Iowa.
BLAKE, ARTHUR D. . Private (First Class)
Company B, 103rd Machine Gun Battalion. For
extraordinary heroism in action near St. Remy,
France, September 12, 1918. During an enemy
attack Private Blake, although not on duty, first
discovered the presence of the enemy and gave the
alarm. During the action, four of the enemy at-
tempted to flank one of the machine-gun positions.
Private Black killed one of the flanking group with
his pistol and captured the other three unaided.
Home address, Mrs. Dollie Blake, R. F. D., Hobart,
Ind.
BLAKE, CHARLES RAYMOND ....
First Lieutenant
Pilot, Air Service, 7th Aviation Instruction Center.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Lassigny,
France, August 9, 1918. Lieut. Blake with Second
Lieut. Earle W. Porter, observer, while on a recon-
naissance expedition at a low altitude far beyond
the enemy lines, was attacked by five German
battle planes. His observer was wounded at the be-
ginning of the combat, but he maneuvered his plane
so skillfully that the observer was able to shoot
down one of their adversaries. By more skillful
maneuvering he enabled his observer to fight off the
remaining planes and returned safely to friendly
territory. Home address, Mrs. Eileen Blake,
grandmother, 17 Tower Street, Westerly, R. I.
BLAKE, ROBERT . . . First Lieutenant
5th Regiment, U. S. M. C. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Bois de Beileau, France,
June 6, 1918. When the line was temporarily held
up, Lieut. Blake volunteered and maintained liaison
with the 49th Company, continually crossing and
recrossing an open field swept by intense machine-
gun fire. Later in the engagement he established
liaison with the French unit on the left flank, cross-
ing a wheat field under heavy machine-gun and
sniping fire, and returned with valuable informa-
tion. Home address, Mrs. J. J. Blake, mother,
1148 Amador Avenue, Berkeley, Cal.
BLAKEMAN, CHESTER W, . . . Sergeant
Company D, Ninth Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near the Meuse River, France,
November 1-4, 1918. After being wounded by
machine-gun fire, Sergt. Blakeman treated his
wound himself and continued to lead his men under
heavy shell and machine-gun fire until he was
again wounded and ordered to a first aid station.
Home address, Mrs. Mattie Harper, Horse Cave,
Ky.
BLAKNEE, FAUN . . . First Sergeant
Deceased. Company B, 5th Machine-Gun Bat-
talion. For extraordinary heroism in action near
Somme Py, France, October 5, 1918. First Sergt.
Blaknee volunteered to carry an important mes-
sage across an area swept by machine-gun fire. He
arrived at the company post of command with the
message and fell dead from a wound he received
while in the execution of his mission. Next of
kin, Mrs. Pearl Creamer, 329 Twenty-third Street,
Bellaire, Ohio.
BLALOCK, ROBERT Sergeant
Company D, 26th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 7,
1918. Sergt. Blalock led a patrol of 10 men against
a strong enemy machine-gun position, flanking the
strong point and attacking it from the rear with ad-
mirable judgment. After expending all his ammuni-
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
tion this soldier continued the fight with two cap-
tured Luger pistols, and himself killed eight of the
enemy in spite of being wounded. Nine machine-
gun nests were wiped out as a result of this attack
and the position was organized for defense with the
captured guns. Home address, Miss Mathe Bla-
lock, Webb City, Mo.
BLANCHARD, EDGAR Private
Company G, 120th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, Septem-
ber 29, 1918. He displayed marked personal brav-
ery, capturing single-handed seven Germans whom
he came upon in a trench and dugout. While taking
the prisoners to the rear, he met a wounded soldier,
and, preferring to return to the firing line, turned
the prisoners over to the wounded man and rejoined
his squad. Home address, Mrs. Addie Blanchard,
mother, Fayetteville, N. C.
BLANCHARD, HAROLD .... Major
327th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, Octo-
ber 7-21, 1918. During 14 days of severe fighting
he was constantly on duty with his battalion,
although suffering severely from bronchitis, the
result of being gassed. He personally took com-
mand of a company, after all the officers had be-
come casualties, and led them through a heavy
artillery barrage and machine-gun fire, gaining
his objective. Immediately after his battalion was
relieved he collapsed from the severe strain. Home
address, John A. Blanchard, brother, 925 Boylston
Street, Boston, Mass.
BLANCHARD, WALTER H. . . . Corporal
Company B, 344th Battalion, Tank Corps. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Varennes,
France, September 26, 1918. Corporal Blanchard,
in company with an officer, crawled forward under
heavy fire at the risk of his own life, and dragged
back a wounded man, who was lying about 150
meters in front of our trenches. Home address,
Mrs. Florence Blanchard, mother, North Broad-
way, Haverhill, Mass.
BLANCHETTE, EDWARD W. . . Corporal
Company A, 104th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 16,
1918. Although wounded and ordered to the rear,
Corp. Blanchette continued to lead his platoon
after his sergeant had been killed and continued in
command until he dropped from exhaustion. Home
address, Mr. Joseph B. Blanchette, father, High
Street, Millbury, Mass.
BLANCHFIELD, JOHN .... Captain
Deceased. U. S. M. C. He demonstrated ex-
ceptional ability in organizing his line at Chateau-
Thierry, France, June 6, 1918, and showed heroic
leadership in holding it under violent attack. His
company successfully repelled two assaults by
superior forces, in the second of which he was mor-
tally wounded. Next of kin, Mrs. John Blanch-
field, wife, 2006 Woodbine Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.
BLANKINSHIP, JOHN C. . . . Corporal
Company C, 5th Field Signal Battalion. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Fossoy,
France, July 15, 1918. During the intense artillery
bombardment, preparatory to the great German
offensive of July 15, Corp. Blankenship voluntarily
led a medical officer to the aid of wounded men, fol-
lowing broken wire through woods. He guided the