party on their return over the same route, although
suffering from a severe wound. Home address, Dr.
Homer Blankinship, father, 413 Cornell Street,
Ottawa, 111.

BLAUROCK, OSCAR . Private (First Class)
Company D, 4th Infantry. For extraordinary



heroism in action near Nesles, France, July 14, 1918.
During a heavy shell and gas bombardment, Pvt.
Blaurock made repeated trips with messages to the
various platoons, at the same time volunteering and
assisting in the removal of the wounded to a place
of safety. Home address, George Blaurock, father,
83 Weirfield Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.

BLEASDALE, REDWALD H. . . . Private
Headquarters Company, 30th Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Mezy, France,
July 15, 1918. Pvt. Bleasdale remained with his
gun during a heavy bombardment, until his gun-pit
was blown in, and then removed his gun to another
position and continued the fire under heavy
machine-gun fire. Later, in the same action, he
volunteered and went to reconnoiter a small woods
believed to be occupied by enemy troops. There he
killed several Germans single handed, and returned
to our lines with an American soldier. Home ad-
dress, Joseph R. Bleasdale, father, Route No. 5,
Janesville, Wis.

BLEASDALE, VICTOR F. . First Lieutenant
6th Machine-Gun Battalion, U. S. M. C. . For re-
peated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near
Blanc Mont, France, October 8, 1918. On several
occasions, regardless of his personal safety, he led his
machine-gun platoon through heavy machine-gun
and artillery fire. When the Infantry company
which he was supporting was halted by the fire of
two enemy Maxims, Lieut. Bleasdale formed his
platoon as infantry, assaulted and captured both
the enemy guns. Home address, J. R. Bleasdale,
father, Janesville, Wis.

BLEAU, HOMER J Sergeant

Deceased. Company A, 59th Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Brieulles,
France, September 29, 1918. When his company
was held up by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire,
Sergeant Bleau displayed exceptional bravery and
devotion to duty in leading his platoon across an
open field in an attack upon an enemy machine-gun
nest. Even after receiving a wound, from the ef-
fects of which he died next morning, he remained
with his men, encouraging them on and inspiring
them by his fortitude. Next of kin, Charles Bleau,
Munising, Mich.

BLECKLEY, ERWIN R. . Second Lieutenant
Deceased. 130tb Field Artillery, observer, 50th
Aero Squadron. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Binarville, France, October 6, 1918.
Lieut. Bleckley, with hia pilot, Second Lieut. Harold
E. Goettler, Air Service, left the airdrome late in
the afternoon on their second trip to drop supplies
to a battalion of the 77th Division, which had been
cut off by the enemy in the Argonne Forest. Hav-
ing been subjected on the first trip to violent fire
from the enemy, they attempted on the second trip
to come still lower in order to get the packages even
more precisely on the designated spot. In the
course of his mission the plane was brought down by
enemy rifle and machine-gun fire from the ground,
resulting in fatal wounds to Lieut. Bleckley, who
died before he could be taken to a hospital. In at-
tempting and performing this mission Lieut. Bleck-
ley showed the highest possible contempt of per-
sonal danger, devotion to duty, courage, and valor.
Next of kin, E. E. Bleckley, father, Fourth National
Bank, Wichita, Kan.

BLEWETT, CHARLES H Private

Company A, 9th Machine-Gun Battalion. For
extraordinary heroism in action at Moulins, France,
July 14-20, 1918. After being wounded in the arm
by shrapnel, Pvt. 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



60



HEROES ALL



wound necessitated his evacuation. Home address,
Mrs. Lavenia Blewett, Richardson, Tex.

BLOCK, SAMUEL M Private

Company A, 102d Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action at Marcheville, France, Septem-
ber 26, 1918. After several other runners had fail-
ed, Pvt. Block volunteered and was successful in
carrying a message through an intense machine-
gun and artillery barrage. Home address, Mrs. Rose
M. Block, Spring Street, Macon, Ga.

BLOHM, JOHN Sergeant

Company B, 305th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near St. Thibaut, France, Septem-
ber, 2, 1918. From a shell hole, in which he had
taken shelter while returning from a successful day-
light patrol across the Vesle River, Sergt. Blohm saw
a corporal of his patrol dragging himself through
the grass and bleeding profusely from a wound in
the neck. He unhesitatingly left his shelter, carried
the corporal behind a tree near the river bank,
dressed his wound, and using boughs from a fallen
tree as an improvised raft, towed the injured man
across the river and carried him 200 yards over an
open field to the American outpost line, all under
continuous rifle and machine-gun fire. Home ad-
dress, Rudolph Blohm, 4822 New Utrecht Avenue,
Brooklyn, N. Y.

BLOMBERG, HENRY S. . First Lieutenant
127th Infantry- For extraordinary heroism in ac-
tion near Juvigny, north of Soissons, France, August
30, 1918. Inspiring his men by his own personal
bravery, Lieut. Blomberg vigorously led his com-
pany forward in the face of heavy machine-gun and
artillery fire, capturing the heights overlooking Ju-
vigny, with many prisoners. After reaching the ob-
jective he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire
time after time in reorganizing the line. During the
defense of the position won he personally set up and
operated a captured German machine gun against
the enemy while under terrific fire. Home address,
Mrs. Josephine Blomberg, mother, 601 Holly Ave-
nue, St. Paul, Minn.

BLOMGREN, ERNEST W. . Private (First Class)
Sanitary Detachment, 106th Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Ronssoy, France,
September 27, 1918. During the operations against
the Hindenburg Line, east of Ronssoy, on Septem-
ber 27, 1918, Private Blomgren displayed unusual
courage and bravery by going forward through the
terrific shell and machine-gun fire to rescue wounded
comrades. Home address, Mrs. C. Blomgren, moth-
er, 1491 Westchester Avenue. New York City.

BLOND, PERCY S. . . . First Sergeant

Company C, 146th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism near Montfaucon, France, September 26-
October 1, 1918. Crossing an exposed area under
heavy shell and machine-gun fire, Sergt. Blond went
forward and rescued a wounded comrade, carrying
him 200 yards up a steep slope. On another occa-
sion, during a severe artillery and machine-gun
bombardment, he crept alone to an advanced post
and carried back another wounded soldier. During
the five days' action Sergt. Blond gave first-aid
treatment to 20 members of his company, inspiring
everyone by his valiant conduct in ministering to
the wounded. Home address, Mrs. Birdie M.
Blond, mother, Washington, Pa.

BLOOD, ROBERT O Captain

Medical Corps, 103d Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Bouresches, France, July
20-23, 1918. He remained with his battalion during
the entire advance, working untiringly under heavy
enemy fire at all times, superintending the evacua-
tion of the wounded and caring for them in the most



dangerous and exposed positions. On July 22 he
established his dressing station in an advanced
position that was constantly under shell fire, and
many times left his station to go into the front lines
to treat the wounded. Home address, Mrs. Robert
R. Blood, South State Street, Concord, N. H.

BLOOMBERG, SAM . . Private (First Class)
Company B, 312th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Grand Pre, France, October
18-23, 1918. During the period of five days that his
company was occupying an advanced and isolated
position, Pvt. Bloomberg volunteered and carried
messages to his company headquarters after seeing
two other runners wounded in the attempt to cross
through the sweeping barrage. He was at all times
under constant fire and observation of enemy ma-
chine gunners, but he succeeded in establishing
liaison during the entire operations. Home address.
Human Bloomberg, father, 102 Barclay Street,
Newark, N. J.

BLOSSOM, LYNN Private

Company I, 128th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Juvigny, France, August 30,
1918. While engaged as runner during an attack,
Private Blossom maintained liaison with adjoining
units, throughout a most intense fire of artillery and
machine guns, continuing his work until wounded
by machine-gun fire. Home address, Frank Blos-
som, father, R. F. D. No. 1, Clark Lake, Liberty,
Mich.

BLUME, FERDINAND F. . . . Corporal
Company C, 319th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action on the west bank of the Meuse,
France, September 26, 1918. While his platoon
was being held up by wire and other obstacles, and
the fire of the enemy threatened to annihilate it,
Corp. Blume made his way through the wire to the
German trenches, from which position he bombed
the enemy from their trenches. He thus saved the
lives of many of his comrades, and enabled them,
to take the trenches with a minimum of casualties.
Home address, Anna Blume, sister, Farragut Street,
Millvale, Pa.

BLUME, LEO H. . . Private (First Class)
Company C, 312th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Talma Farm, France, Octo-
ber 18, 1918. Pvt. Blume volunteered to carry a
message from his platoon across a zone of 200 yards
swept by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. He
was seriously wounded while making the attempt to
perform the mission and remained under this terrific
fire for over two hours before it was possible to rescue
him. Home address, Mrs. Elizabeth O'Hare, sister,
122 Third Street, Troy, N. Y.

BLUMENTHAL, ALABEL . . . Private
Deceased. Medical Detachment, 128th Infantry.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Cierges,
France, August 2, 1918. As Pvt. Blumenthal was
dressing wounded men and carrying them into
shell holes for protection, a heavy barrage was put
down in the field where he was working but he
nevertheless refused to seek cover, ministering to
the wounded and reassuring them, until he was
mortally wounded by a bursting shell. Next of
kin, Mrs. Lena L. Blumenthal, wife, 6130 Evans
Avenue, Chicago, 111.



BLUST, PAUL E.



Private



Company C, 2d Engineers. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Medeah Farm, France, Octo-
ber 9, 1918. Crawling forward under heavy
machine-gun fire, Pvt. Blust assisted in bringing a
wounded comrade to safety. Home address, Ed.
Blust, father, 2410 Gravier Street, New Orleans,
La.



DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS



61



ELY, ROBERT .... First Lieutenant
168th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action near the C6te de Chatillon, France, October
15, 1918. Leading his own and another company by
a flanking movement around Hill 288 in the face of
terrific machine-gun fire, Lieut. Ely, with remark-
able courage and skill, reached the enemy's line and
effected the capture of a strongly fortified and en-
trenched position on the crest of the hill, together
with numerous machine-guns, 92 prisoners, and 1
minenwerfer. He personally took charge of the
minenwerfer and turned it on the enemy, firing all
their available ammunition. During these opera-
tions this officer himself killed or captured two
complete machine-gun crews. Later in the day
he again led his company forward and captured
Hill 242, together with another minenwerfer,
under circumstances which required the greatest
determination and courage. Home address, Her-
bert Ely, father, R. F. D. 4, Fort Scott, Kana.

BLYNN, JOHN M. . . Private (First Class)
U. S. Ambulance Service. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Somme Py, France, October
2-9, 1918. Throughout the attack north of Spmme
Py Pvt. Blynn worked day and night, repeatedly
driving over roads under constant shell fire to the
advanced dressing stations, and, when necessary,
driving to points still farther to the front. On
October 3, in front of the advanced infantry post,
his ambulance was wrecked by a bursting shell.
Securing another car, he evacuated the wounded.
Home address, Mrs. Harry Blynn, mother, 2207
Delancey Street, Philadelphia, Pa.



First Lieutenant
For extraordinary heroism in



BLYTHE, W. J.
104th Infantry

action east of Belleau, France, July 21, 1918. Lieut.
Blythe, with two enlisted men, charged a machine-
gun nest, captured two machine guns, and killed or
captured 12 of the enemy. Home address, Mrs.
W. J. Blythe, 152 Howe Street, Methuen, Mass.

BOARDMAN, GUY W Private

Deceased. Company A, 59th Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Courchamps,
France, July 19, 1918. Though he had been wound-
ed in the ankle, Private Boardman crawled out from
a shell hole under heavy machine-gun fire, and made
several trips to a small stream 100 yards away for
the purpose of filling the canteens of his wounded
comrades, until he was ordered to the rear for medi-
cal aid. He was later killed in action while charging
an enemy machine-gun nest. Next of kin, Mrs. Wil-
liam Boardman, mother, Hughson, Cal.

BOAS, ROSS H First Lieutenant

1st Engineers. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Soissons, France, July 19, 1918. After
being wounded, Lieut. Boas continued to lead two
platoons of engineers, acting as infantry in the pro-
tection of the flank of the brigade, for three days,
exposed to terrific machine-gun and artillery fire
throughout the attack, during which time more than
two-thirds of his detachment were lost. Home ad-
dress, C. H. Boas, father, 115 State Street, Harris-
burg, Pa.

BOBB, LOUIS C Sergeant

Company K, 109th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Apremont, France, October
2, 1918. Sergeant Bobb was a member of a recon-
naissance patrol consisting of an officer and four
soldiers, which was stopped and in danger of being
surrounded by enemy machine gunners and snipers.
Risking his own life to save his comrades, he dashed
from cover to draw the enemy fire, calling on the
others to run. Crossing an open space for 150 yards
under a sheltered position he continued to keep
the enemy down by his fire, while the other members
of the patrol succeeded in escaping. Home address,



Mrs. Louis C. Bobb, 719 West Southern Avenue
South Williamsport, Pa.

BOBO, JOHN Sergeant

Deceased. Company E, 16th Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France,
July 18-19, 1918. When his company's advance
was seriously threatened by the terrific fire from a
machine-gun nest, Sergeant Bobo personally killed
the machine-gun crew and captured the gun. Later
in the same action, he led a party of two squads
against an enemy strong point, capturing 2 officers,
125 men, and 12 machine guns that were delivering
a sweeping fire, threatening the success of the entire
operation. Sergt. Bobo was killed shortly after the
completion of this extraordinary feat. Next of kin,
Lulu Bobo, mother, Bonanzo, Ark.

BOBRYK, JOSEPH Private

Company G, 327th Infantry, For extraordinary
heroism in action near Ch^tel-Chehery, France,
October 7, 1918. After his company had suffered
heavy casualties in reaching its objective and con-
solidating its position. Private Bobryk volunteered
and, single handed, carried numerous wounded
men to the dressing station, crossing the Aire
River in so doing and passing each time through
terrific artillery and machine-gun fire. Even after
being painfully gassed, he continued this work
without thought for his own personal safety.
Home address, Walter Kuczynski, brother-in-law,
Riverside. N.Y.



BOEHLE, WILLIAM



Private



Company A, 30th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Crezancy, France, July 15-16,
1918. After his company had withdrawn from
their position, Pvt. Boehle voluntarily returned to
the former position, and throughout the night of
July 15-16 assisted in evacuating the wounded.
Home address, Garret Boehle, R. F. D. No. 1,
O'Fallon, Mo.

BOENOUR, GEORGE . Private (First Class)
Company A, 30th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Crezancy, France, July 15,
1918. Three times, under terrific enemy fire, he
carried messages to battalion and regimental head-
quarters. After the company had withdrawn he
voluntarily returned to the position his company
had held and throughout the night assisted in
evacuating the wounded. Home address, Jacob O.
Boenour, father, Martinsburg, Pa.

BOGAN, HENRY S Sergeant

78th Company, 6th Regiment, U. S. M. C. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Thiaucourt,
France, September 15, 1918. Sergeant Bogan led
a small detachment in an attack on a machine-gun
which was holding up the advance, capturing the
gun and five of its crew. He then continued the ad-
vance, entered the hostile trenches and cleared
them for a distance of 150 yards, remaining all day
in this advanced position under continuous artillery
and machine-gun fire. Sergeant Bogan is awarded
an oak leaf cluster, to be worn with his Distin-
guished Service Cross, for the following act of ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Blanc Mont,
France, October 3, 1918: During the attack on
Blanc Mont, Sergeant Bogan, without aid, captured
three machine-gun nests, and, after being wounded,
took 30 prisoners. He himself escorted these pris-
oners to the rear rather than have the line weakened
by taking men for this duty. Home address, Mrs.
Sallie Bogan, mother, Franklin, Ky.

BOGGS, ERNEST H Corpora

Company M, 142d Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October
8, 1918. Later his company had made an attack
and had taken up a new position; he rendered great



62



HEROES ALL



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. Home address, Gil-
bert H. Boggs, father, R. F. D. No. 3, Pilot Point,
Tex.

BOGGS, JOHN C First Lieutenant

2d Machine-Gun Battalion. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 21,
1918. He displayed exceptional personal bravery
and initiative by volunteering to take charge of a
machine-gun and crew, protecting an exposed
flank with them and dispersing an enemy counter
attack. Home address, Rev. W. G. Bogge, father,
125 So. Laurel Street, Richmond, Va.

BOHAN, WILLIAM J Sergeant

Company L, 38th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Mezy, France, July 15, 1918.
During the intense enemy artillery preparation,
prior to the German offensive of July 15, Sergt.
Bohan voluntarily left the shelter of a trench to aid
a wounded comrade to a place of safety. Next of
kin, Mrs. Julia Smith, sister, 89 Liberty Street,
Newburg, N. Y.

BOISROUVRAY, A. D. . . . Commandant
French Army, attached to 26th Division. For
extraordinary heroism in action at Seicheprey,
France, April 20-21, 1918. Commandant de Bois-
rouvray exposed himself to extremely heavy enemy
fire, with fearless disregard for personal danger, in
order to secure information for tactical dispositions
and artillery support, which were of great service in
checking the hostile attack.

BOLACK, WILLIAM F Mechanic

Machine Gun Company, 104th Infantry. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun,
France, October 25, 1918. While taking a train of
machine-gun carts to the relief of his company in
the front line, Mechanic Bolack was caught in a
terrific bombardment, his train scattered, several
of his mules killed, and he himself wounded. He
had his wounds dressed at a near-by station and,
refusing to be evacuated, passed through the bom-
bardment three times while reorganizing his train
and carrying out his mission. Home address, Mrs.
Mary J. Bolack, mother, 811 Main Street, Spring-
field, Mass.

BOLEN, JACOB Private

Company C, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Verdun, France, November
2, 1918. Although suffering from a painful shell
fragment wound in the head Pvt. Bolen remained on
duty with his platoon, exposing himself to machine-
gun sniper fire while acting as outpost. Advancing
alone at daylight he reconnoitered what appeared to
be a machine-gun position, returning with informa-
tion which enabled his outguard to better their loca-
tion. Home address, Mrs. Anna Bolen, mother,
3942 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

BOLGIONE Marechal Des Logis

Third Battery, 74th Regiment d'Artillerie
(French), attached to Railway Artillery, A. E. F.
For extraordinary heroism in action on October 14,
1918. Under heavy shelling Sergt. Bolgione dis-
played exceptional bravery in extinguishing a fire
which threatened the destruction of a powder dump
and ammunition car. Home address, Monsieur
Antione Bolgione, father, Rue Saint-Esprit No. 28,
LaCapelette-Marseille, France.

BOLIN, HERALD E. Battalion Sergeant Major
Headquarters Company, 363d Infantry. For
extraordinary heroism in action at Waereghem,
Belguim, October 31, 1918. Seeing a wounded
soldier lying in an exposed position, Sergt. Maj



Bolin started to go to the former's assistance, and
as he did so was knocked down by a bullet which
struck him in the hip. He nevertheless continued
on in the face of the dangerous fire and succeeded
in moving his wounded comrade to shelter before
attending to his own wound. Although he was
suffering intense pain, he refused to go to the rear,
but remained constantly at his post under artillery
and machine-gun fire, having been on strenuous
duty and without sleep for two days. Home ad-
dress, Mrs. Lula Bolin, mother, Wenatchee, Wash.

BOLLES, FRANK C Colonel

39th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Septsarges, France, September 26, and
near Bois-de-Fays, France, September 28, 1918.
On September 26 Col. Bolles personally directed
the assaulting battalion of his regiment when the
line was temporarily held up by hostile fire, leading
the attacking troops forward to their objective.
After reaching the objective, terrific hostile fire
caused many casualties, and the line was beginning
to waver when Col. Bolles assisted in the reorgan-
ization of the line, and by his personal example of
courage and fearlessness encouraged his men to
hold in the face of the withering machine-gun and
artillery fire until the flank division had advanced
abreast. On September 28 he rallied his men under
the sweeping fire of machine guns, minnenwerfer,
and artillery, and although painfully wounded, per-
sonally assisted in the reorganization of the posi-
tions. Home address, Mrs. Frank C. Bolles, 179
Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, Long Island, N. Y.

BOLLING, A. R. . . . Second Lieutenant
4th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action in Bois de Nesles, France, July 14-15, 1918.
While in command of three widely separated pla-
toons in the Bois de Nesles, on the night of July
14-15, Lieut. Boiling continually exposed himself
to very heavy gas and shell fire by going from one
platoon to another. Home address, Mrs. A. R.
Boiling, wife, 525 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambers-
burg, Pa.

BOLLINGER, ERNEST V. ... Private
Company F, 28th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 19,
1918. He advanced on machine-gun snipers on the
Paris-Soissons road, showing exceptional bravery
by reaching the machine gun and killing the snipers
with hand grenades and automatic rifle. Home
address, A. Bollinger, father, 1421 West Fourth
Street, Little Rook, Ark.

BOLT, BERNARD H Private

Deceased. Company K, 28th Infantry. He was
a member of a patrol consisting of an officer and
four men, who with great daring entered a dangerous
portion of the enemy trenches, where they surround-
ed a party nearly double their own strength, cap-
tured a greater number than themselves, drove off
an enemy rescuing party, and made their way back
to our lines with four prisoners, from whom valuable
information was obtained. He died from wounds
received in this expedition. Next of kin, Carl
Bolt, 916 Sanica Street, Bethlehem, Pa.

BOLTON, ARTIE E Captain

Company H, 115th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action in the Bois de la Grande, Mon-
tagne, France, October 16, 1918. Having been or-
dered to take up his position on the final objective,
Capt. Bolton made a personal reconnaissance of
his company front line, during which time he was
subjected to the artillery fire of both friendly and
enemy guns and machine guns directed on his posi-
tion. He again went out on the same mission and
captured 20 prisoners who were carrying a ma-
chine gun. Home address, Sidney R. Bolton, Nor-