address, Thomas J. Atkinson, father, Freeport, Pa.

ATKINSON, RALPH Sergeant

Headquarters Company, 167th Infantry. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Landres-et-
St. Georges, France, October 16, 1918. During the
attack on the Cote de Chatillon, Sergt. Atkinson, in
command of the Stokes Mortar Platoon, together
with three other soldiers, was advancing with the
first wave of the assault when, on nearing the ob-
jective, he discovered about 250 of the enemy
forming for a counter attack. At this juncture he
and his party advanced with a Stokes mortar, under
heavy fire, to a position where he could get a fair
field of fire, set up the mortar, and opened a murder-
pus fire on the approaching enemy, dispersing them
in every direction. His quick action, good judg-
ment, and leadership undoubtedly not only broke
up the enemy counterattack but inflicted severe
losses on the enemy. He showed extraordinary
heroism and courage at a critical time. Home ad-
dress, Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Atkinson, 914 Highland
Avenue, Montgomery, Ala.

ATWATER, BENJAMIN L. . First Lieutenant
Air Service, observer, 99th Aero Squadron. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Landres-et-St.
Georges, France, October 5, 1918. Lieut. Atwater
started on a photographic mission with Lieut. Alex-
ander pilot, over the enemy's lines. Forced back by
seven enemy planes, he determined to complete his
mission, and recrossed the line eight minutes later.
A large group of enemy pursuit machines again at-
tacked his plane. Disregarding his wound, he oper-
ated his machine-gun with such effect that the near-
est of the enemy planes was put down out of control.
Home address, Mrs. Ella C. Atwater, mother, 152
Maple Avenue, Red Bank, N. J.

AUBER, JOHNJ Private

Company E, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Samogneaux, France. No-
vember 1, 1918. While standing in the entrance of
his dugout he saw a grenade, with fuse burning,
rolling into the dugout where his comrades were
sleeping. He picked up the grenade and attempted
to throw it away, but it exploded in his hand, blow-
ing off the hand and forearm. Home address, John
J. Auber, 163 Fugger Street, Elm Grove, W. Va.

AUER, CHARLES Corporal

Deceased. 20th Company, 5th Regiment, U. S.
M. C. Killed in action at Chateau-Thierry, France,
June 6, 1918, he gave the supreme proof of that ex-
traordinary heroism which will serve as an example
to hitherto untried troops. Next of kin, John F.
Auer, father, Baudon, Ore.

AUSTERMANN, RICHARD W. Second Lieut.
128th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in ac-
tion near Fismes, France, August 8, 1918. Lieut.
Austermann collected several groups of disorgan-
ized men from different companies, organized a
patrol, and, advancing across a creek, so deployed
his men as to pour a cross fire on enemy machine-
gun nests. Observing other nests then out of range,
he led a volunteer squad and cleaned out three more
machine-gun nests. He continued with the squad
and put out of action three more nests. Home ad-
dress, Mrs. Carrie J. Austermann, wife, Loyal, Wis.

AUSTIN, CLAUDE W. . . First Lieutenant

130th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in

action south of Dun-sur-Meuse, France, October 5,

1918. On the evening of October 5, a shell struck



an old building in front of a dugout occupied by one
of Lieut. Austin's machine-gun teams, wounding
two of the men who were just coming out, and hurl-
ing them to the bottom of the steps. Fire from the
building spread to the framework of the dugout,
which contained a quantity of grenades and high
explosives. Lieut. Austin unhesitatingly ran to the
rescue of the two men and dragged them out, one at
a time, but they died a short time later. He then
entered the dugout, bringing out five unwounded
men, undoubtedly saving their lives, for the dugout
was totally destroyed a short time later. The entire
exploit was carried on under sniping fire from across
the river, as well as machine-gun and artillery fire
from three sides of the salient. Home address, Mrs.
Cornelia B. Austin, mother, Effingham, 111.

AUSTIN, EDWIN Private

Deceased. Company F, 127th Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Roncheres,
France, July 30, 1918. He volunteered to go out in
advance of our front lines and bring back wounded,
who had been left there when his company was with-
drawn. He made two trips, under heavy fire,
bringing back wounded with the aid of another
soldier, but was killed by machine-gun fire when he
went out for the third time. Next of kin, George
Austin, father, Turin, Mich.

AUSTIN, FRANCIS R. . . First Lieutenant
Deceased. 109th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Haumont, France, Novem-
ber 11, 1918. He led a platoon of machine guns and
two 1 -pounder guns with their crews under cover of
a fog within the enemy's wire and attacked at close
range a strong point held by 25 men and 10 machine-
guns. After this position had been reduced, con-
centrated machine-gun fire from the ranks forced
Lieut. Austin and his party to withdraw. Exposing
himself in order to place his men under cover, he
was mortally wounded, but he directed the dressing
of the wounds of his men and their evacuation before
he would accept any aid for himself. He died a
few hours later. Next of kin, Francis B. Austin,
father, 102 North Street, Boston, Mass.

AUSTIN, JAMES B Captain

Deceased. 38th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Cierges, France, October '8,
1918. Captain Austin continued for several hours
to command his company, after he had been shot
through the body and in the leg. He sent back nu-
merous reports to his regimental commander during
this period, but never mentioned the fact that he
was severely wounded. Next of kin, Mrs. James B.
Austin, wife, in care of E. E. Calvin, President,
U. P. R. R., Omaha, Neb.

AUSTIN, JOHN C Corporal

Headquarters Company, 167th Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Landres et St.
Georges, France, October 16, 1918. Corporal Aus-
tin volunteered and crawled forward more than 50
yards in the open under heavy rifle, machine-gun
and shell fire, from the enemy, in order to observe
the fire effect of a Stokes Mortar. He returned with
valuable information, which assisted in breaking up
a hostile counter-attack. A few minutes later, with
another soldier, he went to the assistance of a com-
rade, who had fallen wounded in an open field 50
yards away, and carried him to shelter under heavy
enemy machine-gun fire. Home address, John C.
Austin, father, Sylacauga, Ala.

AVERY, CHARLES D. . Second Lieutenant
28th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in ac-
tion near Cantigny, May 27, 1918. After a two-
hour barrage, which caused many casualties in our
forces, the enemy raided a sector occupied by our
troops. During the attack, Lieut. A very exhibited
unusual courage in holding together his handful of
men, after one-third had become casualties, and dis-



DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS



39



tributing ammunition to remaining men, which
finally stopped the attack. Two prisoners were
taken during the battle. He was severely wounded
about the head, and later buried in a trench where
he remained for three and one-half hours, before
being dug out. Home address, Mrs. Charles D.
Avery, wife, Lincoln, Kana.

A VERY, WALTER L. . . First Lieutenant
95th Aero Squadron, Air Service. For extraor-
dinary heroism in action north of Chateau-Thierry,
France, July 25, 1918. While on his first patrol over
the enemy's lines he attacked an enemy two-seater
biplane. While thus occupied he was vigorously at-
tacked by another enemy plane, but by a quick turn,
skillful maneuvering, and accurate shooting he
drove the second plane to the American side o7 the
lines, where it crashed into the woods. Lieut.
Avery's motor was badly damaged by bullets, but
he made a successful landing back of our lines,
where he learned that the enemy pilot who had been
made a prisoner was a German ace credited with 44
victories. Lieut. Avery's conduct was especially
commendable because his plane had been seriously
damaged at the beginning of the combat. Home
address, F. E. Avery, 1199 Franklin Avenue, Colum-
bus, Ohio.

AWBREY, CLARENCE Private

Company B, 6th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Fontaines, France, Novem-
ber 7, 1918. Pvt. Awbrey accompanied by three
other soldiers volunteered and went out under
heavy machine-gun and artillery fire to rescue a
wounded comrade. Failing in the first attempt
they again tried, and this time succeeded in bringing
the wounded man to the shelter. Home address,
Mrs. Sarah Jane Awbrey, mother, Taylorsville, Ky.

AXTON, ANDREW K Private

Deceased. Company I, 6th Regiment, U. S.
M. C. In the Bois de Belleau, France, June 6, 1918,
he was conspicuous for his bravery and coolness in
advancing with an automatic rifle on a strongly de-
fended machine-gun position. He was killed in the
performance of his duty. Next of kin, Mrs. Nell P.
Axton, mother, Water Street, West Brownsville,
Pa.

AYERS, JOHN Corporal

Company C, 115th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Sivry, France. During
several engagements in the vicinity of Sivry, Corp.
Ayers, upon his own initiative, went forward and
located enemy machine-gun nests. On another
occasion, his platoon having lost connection with
his company during a heavy enemy artillery fire, he
reconnoitered the position and established liaison
with his company. Home address, John Ayers, Sr.,
father, Easton, Md.

AYLWARD, WILLIAM B. . . . Corporal
Company A, 102nd Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Epieds, France, July 23,
1918. Corporal Aylward maintained liaison be-
tween the platoons of his company, and, after his
platoon commander and sergeant had been shot
down, he took command of the platoon, remaining
in command until only two men and himself were
left alive and unwounded. Although slightly
gassed, he remained on duty, rendering first aid
and carrying wounded to the First Aid Station
until he became so overcome from the effects of the
gas, that he had to be evacuated. Home address,
Mrs. John Leahy, 1318 East Main Street, Water-
bury, Conn.



AYOTTE, EDWARD E.



Private



Headquarters Company, 103d Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Bouresches,
France, July 20, 1918. Under the deadly fire of the



enemy's artillery and machine-guns, Private Ayotte
administered first aid to many wounded. He car-
ried a wounded officer some distance to safety, after
which he returned, ceasing in his atttention to the
wounded only after all had received aid. Home ad-
dress, William E. Ayotte, 12 Grove Street, Houl-
ton, Me.

BABCOCK, PHILIP R. . . First Lieutenant

Pilot, 88th Aero Squadron. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 11,
1918, together with John W. Jordan, second lieu-
tenant, 7th Field Artillery, observer; Roger W.
Hitchcock, second lieutenant, pilot; James S. D.
Burns, deceased, second lieutenant, 101st Field
Artillery, observer; Louis G. Bernheimer, first lieu-
tenant, pilot; James A. Palmer, second lieutenant,
15th Field Artillery, observer; Joel H. McClendon,
deceased, first lieutenant, pilot; and Charles W.
Plummer, deceased, second lieutenant, 101st Field
Artillery, all attached to the same squadron.

Under the protection of three pursuit planes, all
carrying a pilot and observer, Lieuts. Bornheimer
and Jordan, in charge of a photo plane, carried out
successfully a hazardous photographic mission over
the enemy's lines to the River Aisne. The four
American ships were attacked by 12 enemy battle
planes. Lieut. Bernheimer, by coolly and skillfully
maneuvering his ship, and Lieut. Jordan, by ac-
curate operation of his machine-gun, in spite of
wounds in the shoulder and leg, aided materially in
the victory which came to the American ships, and
returned safely with 36 valuable photographs.

The pursuit plane operated by Lieuts. Hitchcock
and Burns was disabled while these two officers
were fighting effectively. Lieut. Burns was mor-
tally wounded and his body jammed the controls.
After a headlong fall of 2,500 meters, Lieut. Hitch-
cock succeeded in regaining control of this plane
and piloted it back to the airdrome.

Lieuts. McClendon and Plummet were shot
down and killed after a vigorous combat with five
of the enemy planes. Lieuts. Babcock and Palmer,
by gallant and skillful fighting, aided in driving off
the German plane and were materially responsible
for the successful execution of the photographic
mission. Home address, Mrs. Susan Babcock,
mother, Litchfield, Conn.

BABST, JULIUS J Fret Lieutenant

Chaplain, 23d Infantry. For extraordinary hero-
ism in action at Chateau-Thierry, France, June 6-7,
1918. Chaplain Babst displayed exceptional brav-
ery and devotion to duty oy repeatedly going out
from the first-aid station of his battalion t9 care for
the wounded, and voluntarily exposing himself to
terrific artillery and machine-gun fire to administer
the last sacraments to the dying. At imminent risk
to his own life he worked to improve the conditions
at the aid station, and fearlessly conducted burial
services under fire. For the following acts of extra-
ordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, Octo-
ber 3-9, 1918, Chaplain Babst is awarded an oak
leaf cluster, to be worn with the Distinguished Ser-
vice Cross: He showed magnificent courage in car-
ing for the wounded under heavy fire, having per-
sonally administered to over 50 officers and men;
also assuring their evacuation. He showed remark-
able devotion to duty by refusing an opportunity to
attend chaplain's school, preferring to accompany
his regiment into battle, where he labored unceas-
ingly for seven days, during which time he perform-
ed many acts of bravery. Home address, Charles
Babst, father, Naperville, 111.

BACHMAN, JOHN A. . . Second Lieutenant
Deceased. 308th Machine-gun Battalion. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Jaulny,
France, September 26, 1918. During an early
morning raid Lieut. Bachman attempted to place
two guns in position, when the enemy opened a
terrific barrage. He was ordered to shelter on the



40



HEROES ALL



hill, and, after his men had taken refuge there, he
went back to determine whether or not all of his
men had found shelter. In passing through the
heavy barrage he was hit by a shell and instantly
killed. Next of kin, F. A. Bachman, 248 Schucle
Avenue, Buffalo, N. Y.

BACKLEY, EDWARD J Private

Company D, 28th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Berzy-le-See, France, July 20,
1918. He showed exceptional courage and devotion
to duty in unhesitatingly advancing against the in-
tense fire of a machine-gun and assisting in cap-
turing the gun and crew. Home address, Mrs.
Elizabeth Backley, mother, 1410 Washburn Ave-
nue, Chicago, 111.

BACKUS, DAVID H. . . . First Lieutenant
Pilot, Air Service, 49th Aero Squadron. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Etain, France,
September 26, 1918. He was one of a patrol of five
monoplanes that were attacked by nine enemy
planes (Fokker type) in a superior position. The
American patrol leader, seeing the futility of giving
combat, turned toward our lines with the enemy in
close pursuit. One of our patrol, however, fell be-
hind, and the enemy planes dove upon him. Lieut.
Backus, although beyond danger, seeing the pre-
dicament of his comrade, turned, and alone attackd
the enemy, destroying one and dispersing the
others. A bronze oak leaf to be worn with the
Distinguished Service Cross is awarded Lieutenant
Backus for extarordinary heroism in action in the
region of Landrevill, France, October, 23, 1918.
A patrol of American monoplace planes attacked
an enemy formation of superior number. Fly-
ing rear position, he maneuvered above the
attack to prevent other enemy planes from as-
sisting their companions. In the midst of the
combat he saw three planes escaping from
battle. He immediately gave chase and attacked
and shot down all three of the enemy. Home ad-
dress, C. J. Backus, father, 578 Holly Avenue, St.
Paul, Minn.

BACON, BENJAMIN R Sergeant

Company D, 326th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action south of Champigneulle, France,
October 16, 1918. Twice wounded by machine-gun
bullets, Sergt. Bacon continued to lead his platoon
through heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, pene-
trating the enemy lines and silencing several ma-
chine-guns. Home address, Charles M. Bacon,
father, 2135 North Ninth Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

BADHAM, WILLIAM T. . . First Lieutenant
Air Service, observer, 91st Aero Squadron. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Nuzancy,
France, October 23, 1918. This officer gave proof
of exceptional bravery while on a photographic
mission 25 kilometers within the enemy lines. His
plane was attacked by a formation of 30 enemy
aircraft; by skillful work with his machine-gun
Lieut. Badham successfully repelled the attack and
destroyed two German planes. At the same time
he manipulated his camera and obtained photo-
graphs of great military value. Home address,
H. L. Badham, Whitaker Street, Birmingham, Ala.

BAER, PAUL FRANK . . First Lieutenant
Air Service, pilot, 103d Aero Squadron. On
March 11, 1918, he attacked, alone, a group of
seven enemy pursuit machines, destroying one,
which fell near the French lines northeast of Rheims,
France. On March 16, 1918, he attacked two
enemy two-seaters, one of which fell in flames in
approximately the same region.

He was awarded a bronze oak leaf for the follow-
ing acts of extraordinary heroism in action: He
brought down enemy planes on April 5, 12, and 23,
1918, and on May 8, 1918, he destroyed two German
machines, and on May 21, 1918, he destroyed his



eighth enemy plane. Home address, Mrs. Emma
Dyer, mother, 1304 Maud Street, Ft. Wayne, Ind.

BAESEL, ALBERT E. . . Second Lieutenant
Deceased. 148th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Ivoiry, France, September
27, 1918. Lieut. Baesel bravely went forward in ad-
vance of the line, under heavy machine-gun fire,
to rescue a wounded soldier, and, having recovered
him, had almost reached shelter with him when
both were killed. Next of kin, Henry Baesel,
father, R. F. D., Berea. Ohio.

BAGBY, RALPH B. . . . First Lieutenant
Field Artillery, observer, 88th Aero Squadron.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Tailley,
France, November 2, 1918. Lieut. Bagby and First
Lieut. Louis G. Bernheimer, pilot, on their own
initiative went on a reconnaissance mission, flying
50 kilometers behind the German lines, securing
valuable information as t9 the condition of the
bridges across the Meuse River and enemy activity
in the back areas and also harassing enemy troops.
Home address, R. J. Bagby, father, New Haven,
Mo.

BAILEY, ALFRED G Sergeant

Deceased. Company E, 38th Infantry. For ex-
traordinary heroism in action near Moulins, France,
July 15, 1918. Sergt. Bailey, unaided, killed two
enemy machine gunners and captured a third,
together with his machine-gun. Next of kin, Mrs.
Sarah E. Bailey, mother, Eli, Okla.

BAILEY, ERNEST O Corporal

Company E, 117th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Premont, France, October 9,
1918; and near Molain, France, October 17, 1918.
When his company was held up by machine-gun
fire, he carried a message across open ground to a
tank commander, whose tank brought the needed
support for reducing the nests. Later, in company
with an officer, he braved intense shell fire to rescue
a wounded soldier. Home address, Mrs. Sarah E.
Bailey, mother, Luther, Okla.

BAILEY, GEORGE W. . Ph. Mate (Third Class)
U. S. N., attached to 5th Regiment, U. S. M. C.
For extraordinary heroism in action near St.
Etienne, France, October 4, 1918. Pharmacist's
Mate Bailey voluntarily went out in front of the
most advanced positions of our troops in order to
render first aid to a number of wounded soldiers.
He continued the work until all the wounded had
been given first aid and evacuated. Home address,
Mr. Charles O. Bailey, father, 27 Rensselaer Ave-
nue, Ogdensburg, N. Y.

BAILEY, HENRY S. . . . First Lieutenant
363d Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in ac-
tion during the Argonne-Meuse offensive, France,
September 26, 1918. Commanding a small detach-
ment which was being held up by machine-gun fire,
Lieut. Bailey, with one soldier proceeded to force
the enemy's withdrawal. Working ahead under
terrific fire, although wounded, he made his way to
the right flank of the enemy's position, and within
15 minutes silenced the fire. Home address, Mrs.
Neta S. Bailey, wife, 615 Twenty-second Street,
Berkeley, Cal.

BAILEY, IVAN Y Private

1st Battalion, Intelligence Section, 361st Infantry.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Gesnes,
France, October 10, 1918. While on a liaison patrol
Pvt. Bailey and Corp. Carl G. Theobald attacked
and captured a hostile machine-gun nest and its
entire crew. Pvt. Bailey then took the prisoners
across No Man's Land to our lines under machine-
gun fire. Home address, Willis Bailey, father, Fort
Shaw, Mont.



DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS



41



BAILEY, JESSE M. . . Private (First Class)
Sanitary Detachment, 103d Machine Gun Bat-
talion. For extraordinary heroism in action near
Chateau-Thierry, France, July 18-24, 1918. He
gave an inspiring example of courage and coolness
in treating wounded for two days without rest or
food and under intense artillery and machine-gun
fire. While maintaining a dressing station in a
crater, an enemy shell struck in the center of the
hole, wounding nearly all in the crater and severely
injuring one man, who was buried in the earth and
debris. Upon regaining consciousness Pvt. Bailey
treated all of the wounded men, helped them to the
first-aid station, returned and dug out the man who
had been buried and left for dead and succeeded in
resuscitating him. Home address, Robert C.
Melchel, stepfather, Southberry, Conn.

BAILEY, ROBERT M. . Second Lieutenant
Deceased. 114th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 12,
1918. Leading his platoon against an enemy posi-
tion, Lieut. Bailey was fatally wounded, but re-
fused to leave until his position was organized and a
counterattack repulsed. Next of kin, Mrs. Alice
O. Bailey, mother, Anderson, S. C.

BAILEY, THOMAS Captain

lllth Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Fismes, France, September 4, 1918.
When the advance was held up owing to lack of
information and no man volunteered for reconnais-
sance mission because of the hazard attached there-
to, Capt. (then First Lieut.) Bailey undertook the
mission. Crawling on his belly 100 yards across an
open space and then traversing 200 yards of woods
infested by the enemy he gained and returned with
information of the greatest value, making possible
a subsequent and successful attack. Home address,
Mrs. Mary Bailey, wife, 5325 Lena Street, German-
town, Philadelphia, Pa.

BAILEY, WALTER J. . Private (First Class)
Machine Gun Company, 325th Infantry. For
extraordinary heroism in action near St. Juvin,
France, October 12, 1918. Securing a captured
German machine gun, Pvt. Bailey operated it
against the enemy from an exposed position until he
was wounded and rendered unconscious by an
enemy shell. Home address, William S. Bailey,
father, Oquawka. 111.

BAIN, EDGAR Captain

119th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Busigny, France, October 9, 1918. Ad-
vancing under heavy fire with orders to pass through
the front line company, he found the troops he was
to relieve 1000 yards from their position, falling
back. Rallying them, he personally led the troops
in advance, under terrific fire, assaulting and captur-
ing the assigned objective. Home address, Mrs.
Edgar H. Bain, wife, Goldsboro, N. C.

BAINBRIDGE, ROGER J. . . . Corporal
Company A, 26th Infantry. While acting as
liaison corporal near Soissons, France, July 19, 1918,
he was severely wounded, but nevertheless con-
tinued in action and killed three of the enemy before
being ordered to a dressing station for treatment.
Home address, Theresa Dahl, Edmund, Okla.

BAIR, HOWARD A. . . Second Lieutenant
Deceased. 314th Infantry. For exraordinary
heroism in action near Barricurt, France, Nov. 2,
1918. Calling on his platoon to follow, Lieut. Bair
pushed forward and attacked enemy machine-gun
nests. After killing two of the enemy, he himself
was killed by a hand grenade, while accepting the
surrender of another of the enemy. Next of kin,
Mrs. Frances Bair, mother, Rittman, Ohio.



BAKER, DOUGLAS B. . . First Lieutenant