Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Congressional Medal of Honor

Allegheny County World War I

Awards of Distinguished Service Cross Medal

"A" through "N" Surnames

"P" through "W" Surnames

(No Surnames for soldiers starting with O, and X through Z listed.)

US Army
First Awarded in 1918

US Air Force
First Awarded in 1962
Last Awarded 2006

US Navy
First Awarded in 1917

+ Indicates Posthumous Award

+William Chalmers Acheson, second lieutenant, 320th Machine Gun Battalion. For extraordinary heroism in action near St. Juvia, France, October 14, 1918. Seeing a flank position left exposed by the nonarrival of an infantry regiment. Lieut. Acheson promptly moved his four guns to the position and held off a strong attack by the enemy. During the action 30 prisoners were taken, but nearly all his platoon had been killed or wounded. Lieut. Acheson personally operted a gun, and, although wounded, poured a most effective fire in the ranks of the enemy, continuing until he died from loss of blood. Emergency address: T. H. Acheson, father, 117 West McIntyre Avenue, Northside, Pittsburgh, Pa. Residence at appointment: 117 West McIntyre Avenue, Northside, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Jiaozef Adamski, corporal, Company C, 320th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Bois des Ogons, France, October 9, 1918. Rushing ahead of his advancing lines, exposed to heavy enemy fire, Corpl. Adamski discovered a trail which was not being covered by enemy fire and through which men could pass in safety. He returned with this valuable information to his company commander. His action permitting his company to safety pass through the zone. Residence at enlistment: 3549 Mulberry Alley, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Frank E. Andrea, sergeant, Company G, 111th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Crezancy, France, July 16, 1918. Sergt. Andrea was told by a runner that an enemy patrol had captured two ambulances containing American wounded on the road east of this position. He organized a relief party, personally commanded it, drove the enemy to rout, recovered the ambulance and the wounded men, and brought them back to our lines. Emergency address: Charles A. Andrea, father, 709 Iowa Street, Sioux City, Iowa. Residence at enlistment: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Edward Bann, private. Company M, 318th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action in the Bois des Ogons, France, October 4, 1918. He was acting as stretcher bearer with another soldier, who was shot by a sniper. Going out under fire from the sniper, he captured the latter with the aid of another man. While taking his prisoner to the rear he found a wounded man, whom he carried to the aid station under heavy fire while his companion went on with the prisoner. Upon returning from the aid station he continued his work of rescuing the wounded. Residence at enlistment: 511 Sturgeon Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Cedric Charles Benz, first lieutenant, 111th Infantry. While trying to assist a wounded companion in the attack on Hill 204, west of Chateau-Thierry, France, July 1, 1918, he discovered a party of Germans, and with the aid of two wounded soldiers boldly rushed them and made 38 prisoners. Residence at appointment: 124 North Linden Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Frederick F. Blume, corporal, Medical Corps, United States Navy, attached to 6th Regiment, United States Marine Corps. For extraordinary heroism in the Bois de Belleau, France, June 9-10 and 25, 1918. On two successive days the regimental aid station in which he was working was struck by heavy shells and in each case demolished. Ten men were killed and a number of wounded were badly hurt by falling timbers and stone. Under these harassing conditions this officer continued without cessation his treatment of the wounded, superintending their evacuation, and setting an inspiring example of heroism to the officers and men serving against enemy machine-gun positions in the Bois de Belleau, establishing advanced dressing stations under continuous shell fire. Residence at appointment: St. Clair, Pa.

Hugh F. Brennan, (Army serial No. 1898016), sergeant, Company K 328th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action Fieville, France, October 8-13, 1918. After being severely wounded in the shoulder by a machine-gun bullet, Sergt. Brennan refused to be evacuated but remained in command of his company, to which he had succeeded after all the officers had become casualties. For four days he led his men in the operationis against the enemy, though he was suffering severely, until his wound became infected, and he was evacuated against his protest. Residence at enlistment: 1310 Goebel Street, North Side, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Robert S. Cain, captain, 111th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Fismette, France, August 10-12, 1918. Armed with an automatic rifle, he personally led the advance elements of the line in driving the enemy from the forest north of the Vesle River, thereby maintaining liaison at great personal risks. Residence at appointment: 4063 Pennsylvania Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.

George S. Caldwell, private, Company G, 28th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 18, 1918. In order to stop artillery fire, which was causing heavy losses in our rands, he, with another soldier, rushed 300 yards to the front, attacked a machine-gun strong point and a 77-millimeter artillery gun, captured the position and the gun, killed 2, and captured 13 of the enemy. Residence at enlistment: 900 North Evans Avenue, McKeesport, Pa.

Franklin W. Carter, second lieutenant, Machine Gun Company, 165th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Villers-sur-Fere, France. July 28, 1918. When all the men of his platoon had become casualities he operated the one remaining machine gun with the aid of two volunteers from a line company. Even after he himself had been severely wounded, he remained at his post until the infantry, having effected a crossing of the Oureq, were firmly established. Refusing assistance to the dressing station, he tried to crawl back, but dropped exhausted. Residence at appointment: Clover Club, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Thomas Cavanaugh, sergeant, Company D, 111th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action at Fismette, France, August 11-12, 1918. After he had been wounded by shrapnel he refused to go to the rear, but directed the operations of his platoon in resisting enemy attacks for an hour and a half, when he finally collapsed. The following day he returned and unhesitatingly selected a position of great danger to himself in order to direct machine-gun fire upon enemy snipers. By his courageous exposure he thus made possible the evacuation of 25 wounded man across an exposed area over the Vesle River. Residence at enlistment: 210 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Frank J. Cohen, (Army serial No. 1249854), private, Headquarters Detachment, 107th Field Artillery. For Extraordinary heroism in action near Basileux, France, September 5, 1918. On duty with an officer at an observation post far in advance of the infantry line, he exposed himself to heavy machine-gun fire to obtain stretcher and bandages when the officer was hit by a machine-gun bullet. The officer's wound having proved fatal, Pvt. Cohen, the following day, volunteered to go out and assist in bringing back the body, being constantly subjected to enemy fire. Residence at enlistment: 76 Arthur Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

+Raymond P. Cronin, sergeant, 49th Company, 5th Regiment, United States Marine Corps; +Arthur F. Ware, sergeant, sergeant, 49th Company, 5th Regiment, United States Marine Corps. In the vicinity of Chateau-Thierry, France, on June 6, 1918, under heavy machine-gun fire, they attempted to establish liaison with an adjoining French unit, during which they were killed. Emergency address: Mrs. Edna E. Cronin, mother, 1503 Berkshire Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. Residence at enlistment: 1503 Berkshire Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Jay Dunlap, (Army serial No. 1245684), corporal, Company L, 111th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action in the Argonne Forest, France, October 1, 1918. Knowing that two men were killed in attempting to rescue a wounded comrade who was lying far in front of the line, Corpl. Dunlap volunteered and attempted the rescue. Despite the severe fire directed at this point, he successfumly accomplished his mission. Residence at enlistment: 352 Dixon Avenue, East Pittsburgh, Pa.

+Frederick A. Egler, sergeant, Company M, 320th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Cunel, France, October 11, 1918. Advancing alone far beyond his lines. Sergt. Egler encountered and attacked an enemy machine-gun emplacement, killing an officer and capturing two guns, causing the enemy about eight in number, to flee in disorder. During the action on November 1, 1918. Sergt. Egler received wounds which caused his death. Emergency address: Mrs. C. Lanz, mother 2313 Sierra Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. Residence at enlistment: 2313 Sierra Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Mr. William R. Farmer, secretary, Y.M.C.A., attached to 3d Battalion, 5th Regiment, United States Marine Corps, 2d Division. For extraordinary heroism in action near Blanc Mont Ridge, France, October 4, 1918. Secretary Farmer voluntarily established an advanced dressing station under enemy machine-gun and artillery fire. He continued to render first aid until forced back by a threatened counterattack, at which time he personally assisted two seriously wounded men to the first-aid station, then returning to the line and remaining with the unit until it was relieved. Address: 1020 Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.

+Robert Finnegan, corporal, Company A, 28th Infantry. On May 27-28, 1918, at Cantigny, France, although mortally wounded he concealed that fact, encouraged his men by his example of fortitude, and continued to fire his automatic rifle until he became exhausted. Emergency address: Hugh Finnegan, father, 1712 Davis Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. Residence at enlistment: 1712 Davis Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

+Anthony Fiorentino, (Army serial No. 1241719), private, Company L, 110th Infantry, 28th Division. For extraordinary heroism in action near Magneux, France, August 25, 1918. Volunteering to locate an enemy machine-gun nest which was inflicting heavy casualities on our forces, Pvt. Fiorentino advanced alone and by drawing the enemy fire enabled his company to destroy the nest and continue the advance. In exposing himself to the hostile fire, this gallant soldier was fatally wounded and died on the field shortly afterwards. Emergency address: Mrs. Rose Fiorentino, mother, 7 Corrie Street, Rankin, Pa. Residence at enlistment: 7 Corrie Street, Rankin, Pa.

Robert J. Fitzgerald, private, Section No. 625, Ambulance Service, with French Army. For extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, September 3, 1918. His ambulance broke down while he was on his way to an advanced post along a road then under steady machine-gun fire. In spite of the enemy fire, he attempted to repair the machine, but was unable to do so. Securing assistance, he repaired it under fire in full view of the enemy and continued to make repeated trips with wounded through machine-gun and artillery bombardment. Residence at enlistment: 6601 Watt Avenue, Ben Avon, Pa.

Walter R. Flannery, first lieutenant, 7th Infantry. At great peril to his life on teh night of June 8, 1918, he voluntarily swam the River Marne, near Sauvigny, France, and brought back a wounded French soldier, who, having escaped from his German captors, was unable to return to his own lines. Residence at appointment: Banadium Building, Pittsburgh, Pa.

+Walter D. Frazier, second lieutenant, 40th Company, 5th Regiment, United States Marine Corps. Killed in action at Chateau-Thierry, France, June 6, 1918, he gave the supreme proof of that extraordinary heroism which will serve as an exampte to hitherto untried troops. Emergency address: Mrs. W. A. Frazier, mother, 5745 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. Appointed from Pennsylvania.

+George M. Free, sergeant, Company C, 320th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Boid des Ogons, France, October 10, 1918. After half of his platoon and his officers had been killed or wounded he, under a trerrific barrage and maching-gun fire, organized a charge to attack a strong point, which was seriously menacing the whole command. In attempting this most hazardous task he was killed. Emergency address: Conrad G. Free, brother, 798 Row Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. Residence at enlistment: 385 Woodruff Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

George J. Fries, Jr., private, Medical Detachment, 319th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in actin near Cunei, France, October 11, 1918. For two days and nights he worked incessantly as the only first-aid man with two companies in the front line. On several occasions he went out in front of our lines under heavy enemy fire to adi wounded men and to help bring them back to our line, his pack and equipment being badly torn to pieces of shrapnel. Residence at enlistment: 406 Spencer Avenue, Carrick, Pa.

Alois J. Guenther, sergeant, Company C, 111th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action west of Fismette, France, August 10, 1918. Sergt. Guenther with another soldier, voluntarily left a place of safety and crawled through heavy machine-gun and shell fire to the aid of a comrade who had fallen wounded during the withdrawal of their company from an exposed position carrying him 75 yards across an open area to shelter. Residence at enlistment: 99 Excelsior Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

+Job R. Harris, sergeant, Company B, 4th Machine Gun Battalion. For extraordinary heroism in action near Medeah Farm, France, October 8, 1918. Though he had fainted twice as a result of being gassed the previous night, he remained on duty and continued to lead his section. Placing them in action, he displayed great coolness and bravery in directing the fire of his guns until he was killed by enemy machine-gun fire. Emergency address: Mrs. Marin Harris, mother, Soho Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. Residence at enlistment: Soho Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

+Albert A. Huth, corporal, Company H, 319th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Imecourt, France, November 1, 1918. He voluntarily advanced three times against an enemy machine-gun stronghold which was holding up his platoon's advance. He was wounded during his last attempt, but his act enabled his platoon to advance and capture 25 of the enemy who were concealed near by. Emergency address: Mrs. Frederick Huth, mother, 20 Keibs Way, Pittsburgh, Pa. Residence at enlistment: 20 Keibs Way, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Harry E. Imhof, sergeant, Company D, 21st Machine Gun Battalion. For extraordinary heroism in action near Vieville, France, November 1, 1918. During a heavy barrage of high-explosive and gas shells he assisted an officer to give first aid to a wounded officer and two soldiers after the platoon had withdrawn from the position. Residence at enlistment: 19 Butler Street, Millvale, Pa.

Charles L. Inks, (Army serial No. 1245501), sergeant, Company K, 111th Infantry, 28th Division. For extraordinary heroism in action at Fismette, France, August 12, 1918. Upon his own initiative, Sergt. Inks crawled 35 yards in advance of the line under the most intense machine-gun fire to where a wounded soldier lay, carrying him to shelter and administering first-aid treatment, thereby saving his life. Residence at enlistment: 254 Addison Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

+Clarence C. Kahle, first lieutenant, Air Service, pilot, 99th Aero Squadron. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lachaussee, France, September 13, 1918. He, with First Lieut. Raymond G. Hill, observer, was directed to take photographs of the old Hindenburg line. They were accompanied by two protecting planes. After they had taken some photographs the protecting planes were driven off by hostile aircraft, but he and his observer continued their mission alone, until in the vicinity of Lachaussee they were attacked by an enemy formation of nine planes. Lieut. Kahle put up a gallant fight, in which his observer was shot through the heart and killed. Although pitted against overwhelming odds, Lieut. Kahle, by his pluck, determination, skill, and courage, brought the photographs and the plane back to his airdrome, the enemy keeping up a constant attack upon him back to our lines, riddling the plane with machine-gun bullets. Emergency address: Mrs. F. L. Kahle, mother, 5513 Margaretta Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. Residence at appointment: 5513 Margaretta Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

George J. Klier, private, first class, Company G, 320th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 11, 1918. While his platoon was being forced back he remained to bind up the wounds of a comrade, although he himself was suffering from a painful wound. He then refused to be taken to the rear until all the others had been evacuated. Residence at enlistment: 4222 Milgate Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

John L. Layer, private, Battery B, 10th Field Artillery. For extraordinary heroism in action near St. Engine, France, July 14, 1918. He continued on duty repairing breaks in telephone line, even after being severely wounded and almost uneonsclous. Residence at enlistment: 104 Gist Street, Pittsburgh. Pa.

Wilson H. Leiter, (Army serial No. 12415908), private. Company M, 111th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Fismette, France, August 11, 1918. While his company was withdrawing to a place of safety. Pvt. Leiter stopped in a most exposed position and picking up a badly wounded man he continued in the withdrawal until the point of assembly was reached, at which time he brought him to a dressing station. Residence at enlistment: Pittsburgh. Pa.

Abe Levinson, private. Company G, 167th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Croix Rouge Farm, northeast of Chateau-Thierry, France, July 27, 1918. When his company was in action near Hill 212. Pvt. Levinson was posted as lookout while his company was intrenching. He observed the enemy bringing forward machine guns through the wheat fields to place them in position. Waiting until they were within close range, he exposed himself to heavy machine-gun and artillery fire and succeeded in killing or disabling the crew of two machine guns, thus saving his company from heavy casualties. Residence at enlistment: 7027 Monticello Street. Pittsburgh, Pa.

Frederick W. McClemons, private. Company M, 126th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Romagne, France, October 14, 1918. When the advance of his regiment was held up by enemy machine-gun fire and grenades, Pvt. McClemons volunteered as a member of a combat patrol
which cut through the enemy lines, captured 10 machine guns, killed and captured 15 Germans, and forced a large number to surrender to other troops, clearing that part of the Cote Dame Marie of the enemy, enabling the advance of the regiment to continue. Residence at enlistment: R. F. D. No. 1, Carnegie, Pa.

Edwin Macbeth, sergeant. Company C. 111th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Fismette. Franco, August 10, 1918. Sergt. Macbeth and another soldier voluntarily went through heavy machine-gun fire to carry an important message to an advance unit. Attracted hy the cries of a
wounded soldier while they were returning, they went to his assistance and were endeavoring to rescue him when Sergt. Macbeth's companion was fatally wounded. Being unable to bring in the two wounded men by himself, this soldier returned to the line and secured assistance. Residence at enllstment: 1141 Greenfield Avenue, Pittsburgh. Pa.

Harry Mates, private. Company H, 9th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Mont Ridge, France, October 3, 1918. While acting aa company runner, he carried messages under heavy shell fire and machine-gun fire. When a machine-gun nest caused a temporary halt in the advance of his company, he attacked the nest, capturing three prisoners. He assisted wounded men, applied first aid, and removed them through heavy shell fire to the dressing station. Residence at enlistment: 1321 Clark Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Howard C. Molsberry, first lieutenant, 2d Engineers. In the vicinity of Thiolet, on the night of June 6-7, 1918, he courageously took command of and efficiently directed the advance of an infantry unit, when all its officers had been killed or wounded. Residence at appointment: Corner Sixth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Oakmont, Pa.

Henry C. Molter, (Army serial No. 244901). sergeant, first class. Company D, 1st Gas Regiment For extraordinary heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 28, 1918. Sergt. Molter volunteered and led a detachment to recover ammunition from a dump which was under fire and liable to explode at any minute. Working under a heavy gas attack, he succeeded in removing the dump to a place of safety. Residence at enlistment: 217 Milvale Avenue. Pittsburgh, Pa.

Nick Monula (Army serial No. 2337984). private. Company A, 4th Infantry.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Grand Ballois Farm, France, July
14-15, 1918. During a heavy gas and shell bombardment he repeatedly volunteered and delivered messages over routes other than his own when the runners assigned to those routes had been kilted or wounded. Residence at enlistment: 2808 Edwards Alley, Pittsburgh, Pa.

+ Frederick P. Moore, Jr., captain, 30th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Crezancy, France, July 15, 1918. During an intense bombardment he left shelter and exposed himself constantly in a wood swept by shell and while encouraging and directing the movement of his company. He was killed by shell fire while on a personal reconnaissance. Emergency address : Mrs. Mary Atwell Moore, wife, 28 Winthrop Street, New Britain, Conn. Residence at appointment: 21 South Euclid Avenue. Bellevue. Pa.

James D. Moore, corporal. Company G. 111th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action nenr Fismotte, France, August 12, 1918. With an automatic rifle team, he occupied a house in an advanced position, west of Fismette on the night of August 12, the loss of which would have jeopardized his company's position and hindered the military operations then taking place. The enemy shot a flare into the house, setting fire to it, but Corpl. Moore and a companion, under machine-gun and sniper fire in a brilliantly lighted room, extinguished the flames. Residence at enlistment: 1080 Brushton Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Elmer C. Norris (Army serial No. 1251007), private, Battery E, 107th Field Artillery. For extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 8, 1918. Although severely burned by gas, he refused to be evacuated, voluntarily remaining on duty for two days, repairing telephone connections day and night over shell-swept areas from the battery position to the observation post. He worked faithfully, maintaining adequate telephone service until ordered to the rear. Residence at enlistment: 817 South Mlllvale Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.

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