usually heavy machine-gun fire to a wounded sol-
dier, whom he had seen fall, Private Meeks was
mortally wounded. Next of kin, John S. Meeks,
Smithfield, Ky.

MEFFIN, JAMES D Corporal

Company B, 104th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 15,
1918. Corporal Meffin showed extraordinary cour-
age and bravery in going beyond our front line,
under heavy machine-gun fire, and bringing back
two wounded comrades. Home address, John
Meffin, father, 28 Hanover Street, West Spring-
field, Mass.

MEISSNER, JAMES A. . . First Lieutenant
94th Aero Squadron, Air Service. For extraordin-
ary heroism in action in the Toul sector in May,
1918. He attacked three enemy planes at an alti-
tude of 4,800 meters over the Foret De La Rappe,
France. After a short fight he brought down one of
the machines in flames. During the combat the en-
tering wedge and the covering of the upper wings of
his plane were torn away and after the battle he was
subjected to heavy fire from antiaircraft batteries,
but by skillful operation and cool judgment he suc-
ceeded in making a landing within the American
lines. A bronze oak leaf is awarded Lieutenant
Meissner for the following act of extraordinary
heroism in action: On May 30, 1918, he attacked
two enemy planes at an altitude of 4,500 meters
above Jaulnoy, France, and after a sharp engage-
ment shot one down in flames and forced the other
back into its own territory. Home address, Carl A.
Meissner, 45 Lenox Road, Brooklyn, N. Y.

MELCHER, EDWARD J. . . . Corporal
Company M, 5th Marine Corps. For extraordin-
ary heroism in action near Chateau-Thierry, France,
June 25, 1918. Wounded in the head and thigh,
Corporal Melcher nevertheless continued valiantly
to lead his group through machine-gun and rifle



fire to their objective. Home address, Florence
Melcher, sister, 1527 Broadway, Louisville, Ky.

MELLEN, CLIFFORD E Private

Company A, 104th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 16,
1918. When Private Mellen was in a shell hole with
an officer and eight men, the enemy threw some
hand grenades, one landing among the men. Pri-
vate Mellen seized it and attempted to throw it out
when it exploded. His action saved the lives of his
comrades, but resulted in a severe injury to himself.
Home address, Mrs. Elizabeth Mellen, mother,
Worcester. Mass.

MELROSE, ANDREW R Corporal

Company D, 107th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Vendhuile, France, Septem-
ber 28, 1918. Leaving the protection of a trench, he
crawled out under heavy machine-gun and sniper
fire, and rescued a British officer who had fallen in
an exposed position. His example was an inspira-
tion to the men serving with him. Home address,
Mrs. Anna Rae, grandmother, Marcus, Iowa.

MENDELSON, JOSEPH A. . First Lieutenant
Medical Corps, 305th Infantry. For extraordin-
ary heroism in action near Ville Savoye, France,
August 15-16, 1918. During a heavy enemy bom-
bardment with gas and high explosive shells, Lieut-
enant Mendelson worked for more than three hours,
picking up wounded and gassed men and securing
their evacuation, being forced to remove his gas
mask in order to accomplish this work. Though he
was almost exhausted from fatigue, he then proceed-
ed to the aid station of another battalion and assist-
ed in treating hundreds of men. Though he was
himself suffering from the effects of gas, he refused
to go to the hospital upon the completion of this
work, as all the other medical officers had been
evacuated. Home address, Mrs. Joseph A. Men-
delson, wife, 4012 Georgia Avenue, Northwest,
Washington, D. C.

MENDENHALL, FRED D. . First Lieutenant
7th Engineers. For extraordinary heroism in ac-
tion near Cunel, France, October 20, 1918. Al-
though his platoon was constantly under heavy shell
and machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Mendenhall cour-
ageously directed the wiring of an extreme northern
outpost line of infantry on October 20, 1918. On
the night of October 10, 1918, he skillfully directed
the construction of a pontoon bridge over the Loison
River. So close to the enemy was his platoon that
it was necessary to lash the bridge together, because
the hammering of nails drew instant machine-gun
fire from the enemy. Home address, George D.
Mendenhall, father, Lakeland, Fla.

MENEFEE, MARVIN JAMES . . .

First Lieutenant

116th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action at Molleville Farm, France, October 12, 1918,
while in charge of a 37-mm. gun section in advance
of the assaulting troops, Lieutenant Menefee dis-
played unusual courage by operating the gun him-
self after his gunners had been killed, thereby reduc-
ing a machine-gun nest which had been holding up
the line. Home address, James R. Menefee, Luray,
Va.

MENGE, WILLIAM M. . Private (First Class)
Medical Department, 23d Infantry. For extra-
ordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne-a-Arnes,
France, October 3-9, 1918. Throughout the en-
gagement Private Menge tended the wounded under
shell fire and machine-gun fire, continuing with his
work after two of his assistants had been killed and
one wounded. Home address, Mrs. Mary Menge,
mother, 741 Lexington Street, Elizabeth, N. J.



DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS



275



MENGES, BENH Private

Headquarters Company, 9th Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Blanc Mont,
France, October 3, 1918. By crawling forward
alone across a clearing swept by German machine-
gun fire, and armed only with his rifle and bayonet,
Private Menges killed four of the enemy who re-
sisted him and after clearing out several dugouts in
the woods, returned with eight prisoners and valu-
able information. His act of valor was instrumental
in warding off a strong enemy counterattack.
Home address, Mrs. M. A. Menges, mother, Athens,
Maine.

MENI, JEAN Captain

16th Pursuit Group, French Air Service. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action in the St. Mihiel offen-
sive, France, September 12, 1918. Despite the un-
favorable weather conditions, Captain Meni made
a reconnaissance flight over the enemy lines, return-
ing with valuable information concerning the evacu-
ation of the enemy and the dominant position of
Montsee.

MENTER, LINUS H Private

Medical Detachment, 23d Infantry. For extra-
ordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne-a-Arnes,
France, October 6, 1918. During the day-and night
of October 6 Private Menter constantly exposed
himself under heavy fire, giving first aid to the
wounded and assisting in their evacuation. Home
address, Mrs. Hattie Menter, mother, Parish, N. Y.

MERCER, HOWARD F. . . First Sergeant
Company C, 308th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Stonne, France, November
6, 1918. Voluntarily leading a patrol for a flank at-
tack on the town of Stonne, through unusual artill-
ery fire and exacting machine-gun fire, Sergeant
Mercer, leaving his patrol, went forwrd alone to
draw fire from the nests in order to divert the en-
emy's attention from the attacking patrol. Home
address, Mrs. Howard F. Mercer, wife, 2120 West
Sixth Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.

MEREL, ROBERT . . . First Lieutenant
French Mission Attached 91st Division. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Spittaal Bos-
schen and Audenarde, Belgium, October 31-Noyem-
ber 1, 1918. Armed with an automatic rifle, Lieut-
enant Merel went forward alone and killed the gun-
ner of an enemy machine-gun whose fire had been
holding up the advancing line. Home address, M.
A. Merel, father, A St. Baudelle, Par Magenne,
France.

MERKEL, EDMO E. Pharmacist's Mate

(Second Class)

United States Navy, attached to Company F,
5th Regiment, U. S. M. C. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Blanc Mont, France, Oc-
tober 3-4, 1918. He accompanied a company of
marines during an advance under violent fire,
going to all parts of the line, giving first aid to
wounded and directing their evacuation. Although
wounded, he remained on duty until forced to go to
the rear. Home address, J. B. Merkel, father,
Hattiesburg, Miss.

MERLE-SMITH, VAN SANTVOORD . Captain
165th Infantry. He was in command of a com-
pany at the crossing of the River Ourcq, near Vil-
lers-sur-Fere, France, on July 28, 1918. Despite the
loss of all the other officers in his company, and al-
though wounded himself, he continued to direct his
men effectively against the enemy. When his major
was killed he succeeded to the command of the bat-
talion and led it forward throughout the day with
courage and gallantry. Home address, Mrs. Van
Santvoord Merle-Smith, 156 East Seventy-Ninth
Street, New York City.



MERRICK, ROBERT G. . . First Lieutenant
10th Field Artillery. For extraordinary heroism
in action at Courboin, France, July 14-15, 1918.
After the members of his telephone detail had been
pressed into service as runners under a hostile bom-
bardment so severe that telephone communication
could not be maintained, Lieutenant Merrick vol-
unteered to drive an ambulance. He made three
trips under terrific shell fire to evacuate wounded
from Greves Farm. Home address, Dr. S. K. Mer-
rick, father, 824 Park Avenue, Baltimore, Md.

MERRIFIELD, ED Private

Company E, 366th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Lesseux, France, September
4, 1918. Although he was severely wounded, Pri-
vate Merrifield remained at his post and continued
to fight a superior enemy force which had attempted
to enter our lines, thereby preventing the success of
an enemy raid in force. Home address, Mrs. Lu-
cinda Merrifield, mother, Greenville, 111.

MERRILL, JESSE HERBERT . . Private
Company E, 312th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action in the Bois de Ronvaux, France,
September 16-17, 1918. With the remark, "I can
get through and I can find him," Private Merrill
volunteered and carried a message from his regi-
mental commander to the commander of an advance
battalion, through a fire that seemed impassible.
He returned with amazing promptness with an
answer to the message. This soldier made several
other trips on the same night, finding his way
through a dark forest, actually walking on bodies of
men who had fallen in the only path that could be
used. Home address, Henry Merrill, brother, Fort
Edward, N. Y.

MERRIMON, CLIFTON .... Corporal
Company L, 372d Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Bussy Farm, France, Sep-
tember 27, 1918. He attacked with hand grenades
an enemy machine-gun which was causing heavy
losses to his platoon, and succeeded in killing the
gunner and putting the gun out of action. He then
organized the remainder of the platoon and led them
to their positions in the trenches south of Bussy
Farm. Home address, Mrs. Doris Harris, mother,
27 Pine Street, Cambridge, Mass.

MERRITT, CHARLES D Private

Company C, 345th Battalion, Tank Corps. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Cheppy,
France, September 26, 1918. While he was direct-
ing a column of tanks through a mine field, assisted
by another soldier, his companion was wounded, but
he continued with his work until all tanks had safely
passed through. Returning, he assisted his wound-
ed comrade to safety, after which he carried mes-
sages through an intense bombardment of artillery
and machine guns. Home address, Mrs. Susie Mer-
ritt, mother, 246 Grant Avenue, Jersey City, N. J.

MERRITT, HARRY P Sergeant

Company I, 312th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Grand-Pre, France, Novem-
ber 1, 1918. After haying established an observa-
tion post without aid in broad daylight and under
perilous shell fire of the enemy, Sergeant Merritt
volunteered and carried rations to the post under
cover of darkness. Though knocked down by shell
concussion, he reached every man who was unable
to leave his post, and his entire exploit was carried
out under most harassing machine-gun and artillery
fire. Home address, Henry Merritt, father, 76 Mid-
land Avenue, Montclair, N. J.

MERRITT, HENRY C. . Second Lieutenant

Company C, 38th Infantry. For extraordinary

heroism in action near Gland, France, June 18-19,

1918. After succeessfully crossing the Marne with



276



HEROES ALL



a night patrol, Lieutenant Merritt captured three
prisoners. The patrol was then fired on by a de-
tachment of the enemy, and, in the hand-to-hand
conflict which followed, all of the enemy were killed.
The patrol returned to our lines with one prisoner,
and only two of the members wounded. Home ad-
dress, Harry Merritt, father, Tuckahoe, N. Y.

MERSHON, VANCE Captain

28th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in ac-
tion near Exermont, France, October 4-11, 1918.
After the battalion commander and all the senior
officers had been killed or wounded, Captain Mer-
shon (then a first lieutenant) took command of the
battalion and led it successfully to its objective, re-
maining with it after being painfully wounded, un-
til properly relieved and the new commanding offi-
cer thoroughly acquainted with the situation. He
then had his wound dressed and returned to his
company, actively supervising the laying of bar-
rages by indirect fire. On the third day he was or-
dered to the rear, there had his wounds dressed,
again returning to his company, remaining with it
until it was relieved and reorganized. His courage,
self-sacrifice, and utter disregard for his own person-
al danger was a material inspiration to his men while
under the terrific bombardment by enemy artillery.
Home address, Ward Mershon, father, Buckner,
Mo.

MESSANELLI, RAY A. . Pharmacist's Mate
5th Regiment, U. S. Machine Gun. For extra-
ordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France,
October 4-5, 1918. Regardless of his personal dan-
ger, he repeatedly exposed himself to machine-gun
and shell fire to render first aid to the wounded.
Home address, Mrs. Carmela Talerico, 512 Third
Avenue, Utica, N. Y.

MESSINGER, ELIAS J Private

Company H, 5th Regiment, U. S. M. C., 4th Re-
placement Battalion. For extraordinary heroism
in action near Vierzy, France, July 19, 1918. Cor-
poral Montag and Privates Mclntyre, Messinger
and Wood captured a machine gun which was hold-
ing up the company of Marines, killing the entire
crew. To accomplish this hazardous and daring
work it was necessary for them to expose them-
selves to the fire of this gun. Even though Corporal
Montag and Privates Mclntyre and Messinger were
wounded during the advance, the party continued
forward and succeeded. Home address, Mrs.
Almiria Messinger, 716 Washington Street, Boise,
Ida.
MEURISSE, JEAN L. . . . . . Captain

27th Regiment, Infantry, French Army. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Chevillon,
France, July 18, 1918. Acting as liaison officer with
the 58th American Infantry, he showed marked per-
sonal courage under intense fire, setting an example
of fearlessness to the officers and men with him. His
knowledge of German artillery enabled him to ad-
vise methods of approach for our troops which were
instrumental in preventing many casualties. Home
address, Madam J. Meurisse, wife, 6 du Laminoir
Essonnes (Seine & Oise), France.

MEYER, ALBERT Private

79th Company. 6th Regiment, U. S. M. C. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Thiaucourt,
France, September 15, 1918. While on duty as
stretcher bearer for his company, Private Meyer
rushed into the open to rescue another soldier
threatened with capture in the face of a large force
of advancing Germans. He killed two of the enemy
and brought in the soldier to a place of safety.
Home address, Gustav Meyer, father, 262 West
127th Street, New York City.

MEYER, ALBERT C Sergeant

Deceased. Company G, 326th Infantry. For
extraordinary heroism in action near St. Juvin,



France, October 11, 1918. After his platoon had
suffered heavy casualties through the devastating
fire, Sergeant Meyer, although suffering from a
wound, re-organized the remnants of the platoon
and continued the advance. He was again wound-
ed, but refused evacuation. He insisted on remain-
ing with and cheering the men, until struck the
third time when he fell mortally wounded. Next of
kin, Esther Meyer, sister, 400 Gay Street, Jeanette,
Pa.

MEYER, FRANK Sergeant

Deceased. Company H, 38th Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Romagne,
France, October 8, 1918. Sergeant Meyer courage-
ously led his platoon through a terrific barrage and
silenced a machine-gun position which was enfilad-
ing the attacking line. This soldier was killed later
in this action. Next of kin, Mrs. George Meyer,
Lanesville, Ind.

MEYER, FRED H Private

Deceased. Company A, 26th Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Cantigny,
France, May 27, 1918. While acting as helper on an
automatic rifle team which was under heavy ma-
chine-gun fire, he placed himself so as to shield the
gunner from the hostile fire, enabling him to operate
his gun so as to neutralize the fire of two enemy ma-
chine guns. Private Meyer was mortally wounded,
his heroic action costing him his life. Next of kin,
Henry H. Meyer, father, 222 West 144th Street,
New York City.

MEYERING, WILLIAM D. . First Lieutenant
23d Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in ac-
tion while commanding a platoon of infantry which
was attacked by the enemy on the morning of April
6, 1918. He took effective measures before and dur-
ing the attack to defeat the enemy and handled his
men well, under fire, until he was seriously wounded.
Forced to attend to his wound, he refused assistance
and walked through the enemy's barrage to a dress-
ing station. He objected to being taken to the rear
till he knew the outcome of the attack. His brave
example inspired his men to drive off the enemy,
who did not reach our trenches. He lost his right
hand by amputation as the result of the wound.
Home address, Albert Meyering, father, 7232 Ver-
non Avenue, Chicago, 111.

MEYERS, GEORGE . . Private (First Class)
Company D, 16th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Hill 272, Argonne Forest,
France, October 9, 1918. When the advance of his
company had been stopped by machine-gun fire,
Private Meyers, alone and on his own initiative, ad-
vanced into the fog under intense fire, and, with a
total disregard for personal safety, captured the gun
and its entire crew. Next of kin, Mrs. Mary Mey-
ers, mother, Knox, Ind.

MEZOFF, JOHN J Corporal

Company E, 116th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Samogneux, France, Octo-
ber 15, 1918. When his company was subjected to
severe machine-gun fire, Corporal Mezoff, with two
other soldiers, attacked a nest of four machine guns,
killing eight of the enemy and capturing 27. Home
address, Mrs. Anna Mezoff, mother, Waverly, Va.

MIANOVICH, STANKO .... Corporal
Company L, 119th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, Septem-
ber 29, 1918. Separated from his platoon, he en-
countered a patrol of 18 Germans, attacked them
and killed three and captured 15. Home address,
Mike Mianovich, brother, Zeigler, 111.

MICHAEL, WILLIAM HOWARD . .

. Lieutenant Commander
Medical Corps, U. S. N.. attached to 6th Regi-



DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS



277



ment, U. S. M. C. He displayed unusual courage on
the morning of June 6, 1918, near the Bois de Bel-
leau, when he established a dressing station in the
open, exposed to both shell and machine-gun fire,
in order to be near the wounded. Under these con-
ditions he worked for several hours. Home address,
Edmund Michael, brother, Ferryman, Harford
County, Md.

MICHAELIS, CHAPLES W. . . . Private
Company E, 131.- Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action at Chipilly Ridge, France, August
10, 1918. This soldier showed gallantry in attack-
ing an enemy machine-gun nest with his platoon
sergeant, killing the crew and capturing the gun,
which he used later effectively against the enemy.
Home address, Mrs. Clara Miller, mother, 1230
Baker Avenue, East St. Louis, 111.

MICHAELS, EMMET C. . First Lieutenant
9th Infantry. Fo extraordinary heroism in ac-
tion near Sompey, France, October 3, 1918. After
five members of an automatic-rifle squad had been
killed by sniper fire, and the others were unable to
take a machine-gun nest, which was holding up the
advance of the company, Lieutenant Michaels led
the remaining members of the squad against the
nest, capturing 15 of the gunners and killing the
others. Later, Lieutenant Michaels was severely
wounded while carrying a wounded member of his
platoon to safety, but refused medical attention un-
til the soldier had been cared for. Home address,
Mrs. David Michaels, Yarmouth, Iowa.

MICHALKA, GUSTAVE A. ... Corporal
Company E, 125th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Cierges, northeast of Cha-
teau-Thierry, France, July 31, 1918. When his pla-
toon advanced up the slope in front of the Bois les
Jomblets, it became necessary to put out of action
an enemy machine gun that was cutting up the pla-
toon. Corporal Michalka grasped the situation and
at the risk of his own life advanced upon the nest
with two of his men, killed the operators, and cap-
tured the gun. Home address, Mrs. Mary Titzner,
mother, Box 63, Moran, Mich.

MICHEL, MARCEL H Sergeant

Pilot, 218th Escadrille, French Air Service. For
extraordinary heroism in action in the region of St.
Mihiel, France, September 12, 1918. Sergeant
Michel, while on a reconnaissance, had his wireless
outfit destroyed by enemy fire. Realizing that he
could not communicate with his lines, and also be-
ing well into the enemy's territory, he descended to
an extremely low altitude. Disregarding the en-
emy's antiaircraft and ground machine-gun fire, he
attacked an enemy convoy, causing considerable
damage.

MICHENER, JOHN H. . . First Lieutenant
Pilot, Air Service, 1st Aero Squadron. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Varennes,
France, October 4, 1918. He was assigned the mis-
sion of locating the front lines of our troops at a
time when dense mist and low clouds compelled him
to fly at an a! titude of only 100 meters. His observ-
er's signal rockets drew fire from an advanced hostile
machine-gun battery and Lieutenant Michener was
wounded in the leg. Despite his wound, he contin-
ued the mission until the position of our troops was
ascertained. He was then compelled to land on
shell-torn ground behind the lines, the plane being
completely wrecked. Home address, Mrs. A. R.
Michener, mother, Erie, Pa.

MICKLISH, FRED . . . . . . Private

Company L, 7th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Fossoy, France, July 15,
1918. Acting as runner, Private Micklish made re-
peated trips through the heavy enemy bombard-



ment, until wounded while carrying a message.
Though suffering great pain, he completed his mis-
sion before reporting for treatment. Home address ,
Herman Micklish, father, 705 Huntington Avenue,
Jonesboro, Ark.

MIDRIFF, HOLLY Sergeant

Company L, 131st Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action at Bois de Harville, France, No-
vember 10, 1918. Preceding his platoon in the ad-
vance by fifteen yards, he discovered a machine-gun
nest, and, crawling forward alone, under heavy fire,
captured the enemy position, taking prisoner 12
Germans who had manned two machine guns. His
bravery inspired the men of his platoon. Home ad-
dress, Mrs. L. C. Midkiff, wife, 8532 Carpenter
Street, Chicago, 111.

MIKOS, JOHN N. J Corporal

Company H, 23d Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near St. Etienne-a-Arnes, France,
October 3-9, 1918. Although severely wounded
early in the engagement, Corporal Mikos refused
first aid and continued to lead his section under
heavy machine-gun fire until again seriously wound-
ed. Home address, Roman Mikos, father, Chicago,

MILES, HARRY B Private

Deceased. Company B, 318th Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Bois Des Ohons,
France, October 4-5, 1918. Always a volunteer for
the most dangerous service, Private Miles volun-
teered to carry a message through a heavy barrage,
and was killed in the execution of his mission. Next
of kin, William E. Miles, father, 1119 North
Twenty-first Street, Richmond, Va.

MILES, JOHN Corporal

Company E, 131st Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Wadonyille, France, Novem-
ber 9, 1918. Although suffering severely from the
shock of a shell concussion, Corporal Miles volun-
teered and went 400 yards in advance of our out-
posts in order to draw the fire of any enemy ma-
chine guns, so that fire could be directed upon them.
He returned to our lines after accomplishing the
mission, but in such exhausted condition that he
had to be carried to the aid station. Home address,