 About the Distinguished Service Cross The Distinguished Service Cross was established by President Woodrow Wilson on January 2, 1918. General Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Forces in France, had recommended that recognition other than the Medal of Honor, be authorized for the Armed Forces of the United States for service rendered, in like manner, to that awarded by the European Armies. The request for establishment of the medal was forwarded from the Secretary of War to the President in a letter dated December 28, 1917. The Act of Congress establishing this award (193-65th Congress) dated July 9, 1918 is contained in Title 10 United States Code (USC) 3742. The establishment of the Distinguished Service Cross was promulgated in War Department General Order No. 6, dated January 12, 1918. (amended by act of 25 July 1963). The Distinguished Service Cross was established by President Woodrow Wilson on January 2, 1918. General Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Forces in France, had recommended that recognition other than the Medal of Honor, be authorized for the Armed Forces of the United States for service rendered, in like manner, to that awarded by the European Armies. The request for establishment of the medal was forwarded from the Secretary of War to the President in a letter dated December 28, 1917. The Act of Congress establishing this award (193-65th Congress) dated July 9, 1918 is contained in Title 10 United States Code (USC) 3742. The establishment of the Distinguished Service Cross was promulgated in War Department General Order No. 6, dated January 12, 1918. (amended by act of 25 July 1963). The first design of the Distinguished Service Cross was cast and manufactured by the United States Mint at Philadelphia. The die was cast from the approved design prepared by Lieutenant Aymar E. Embry, Engineers Officer Reserve Corps. Upon examination of the first medals struck at the Mint, it was considered advisable to make certain minor changes to add to the beauty and the attractiveness of the medal. Due to the importance of the time element involved in furnishing the decorations to General Pershing, one hundred of the medals were struck from the original design and numbered 1 to 100. These medals were furnished with the provision that these crosses be replaced when the supply of the second design was accomplished which would also be numbered 1 to 100. The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself or herself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the Unites States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing/foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades. The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest decoration for valor in war and evolved from the Certificate of Merit of 1847. This certificate was intended to be conferred only on private soldiers; NCOs received commissions for outstanding service and heroism; officers received brevet promotions. Authority to award the Distinguished Service Cross is held by the Commanding General of a US Army Force serving in the rank of General and the Chief of Staff, Army and may not be further delegated. Successive awards are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters. |
Des Moines County Recipients
Distinguished Service Cross Raymond R. Smith, corporal, Company C, 11th Machine Gun Batallion. For extraordinary heroism in action northeast of Cunel, France, October 12, 1918. During a heavy bombardment after a shell had struck his machine gun, knocking it and his squad completely out of action, Corporal Smith assembled three men from another squad and obtaining another gun again took up position on the line and remained throughout the action, as the front was at that time thinly held and in constant danger of counterattack. The prompt initiative and splendid courage on the part of this soldier not only inspired and encouraged his men, but aided materially in the success of the action.
Otto T. Wischmeier, private, Company L, 117th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Busigny, France, October 9, 1918. Voluntarily accompanying a party sent out to attack machine gun posts, Pvt. Wischmeier, armed only with a rifle and bayonet, entered an enemy dugout alone and captured a number of Germans.
William W. Baldwin
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