Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

Wilgus, William J.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to William J. Wilgus, Colonel (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I, as Delegate of the Special Railway Commission, Director General of Military Railways, and Deputy Director General of Transportation. In all of these positions Colonel Wilgus has demonstrated exceptional ability and untiring energy. The foundation of the Army Transportation Service was largely due to his vision and remarkable judgment. He has shown a degree of devotion to duty far above any calls which would have been made upon him by military authority.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 50 (1919)
  

Home Town: New York, New York

Wilkins, Harry E.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Harry E. Wilkins, Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I, in charge of the General Supply Depot, New York City, New York.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 77 (1919)
  

Home Town: Victor, Iowa

Willcutt, Joseph N.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Joseph N. Willcutt, Colonel (Quartermaster Corps), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Officer in Charge of the construction of the National Guard camps, Colonel Willcutt displayed qualities of leadership, energy, administrative ability, and devotion to duty which rendered possible the housing of the National Guard troops in an incredibly short space of time. Later he served with conspicuous success as Chief of the Procurement Branch of the Construction Division of the Army.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 95 (1919)
  

Home Town: Cohasset, Massachusetts

Williams, Alexander E.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Alexander E. Williams, Colonel (Quartermaster Corps), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Chief Quartermaster, Army of Occupation, Colonel Williams displayed untiring zeal and administrative ability of the highest order in the organization and operation of the supply system of the Army. By his sound judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness he solved many perplexing problems of supply and finance, in a most satisfactory manner, thereby effecting a great saving for the United States.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 43 (1922)
  

Home Town: Little River Academy, North Carolina

Williams, Clarence C.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Clarence C. Williams, Major General, U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I, as an officer of high professional attainments, who rendered particularly valuable services in the organization of the Ordnance Department of the American Expeditionary Forces and exhibited unusual ability in arranging for the procurement of ordnance material and ammunition for the American Army in Europe.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 12 (1919)
  

Home Town: Nacoochee, Georgia

Williams, Ezekiel J.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Ezekiel J. Williams, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Colonel Williams served with distinction as Chief of Staff of the 36th Division from the date of its organization to the date of departure from France. He performed his manifold duties with unflagging energy and notable ability, rendering services of striking value to the American Expeditionary Forces.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 89 (1919)
  

Home Town: Barnesville, Georgia

Williams, George

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to George Williams, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Regimental Commander, 316th Infantry, Colonel Williams rare professional ability and outstanding devotion to duty brought his regiment to a high point of training and morale; his brilliant leadership notably in the assault and capture of the Borne du Cornouiller, France, Hill 378, 3 - 6 November 1918, during which action his regiment was opposed by enemy forces vastly superior in number; colonel Williams added materially to the efficiency and effectiveness of his division in its operations against the enemy.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 17 (1928)
  

Home Town: Evanston, Illinois

Williams, Harry C.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Harry C. Williams, Colonel (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the

United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Commanding Officer, 320th Field Artillery, 82d Division, in the organization and training of the regiment and in its very successful operations against the enemy in the Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne offensives, Colonel Williams displayed tireless energy, keen devotion to duty, and eminent technical skill as an artillerist, gave most effective support to the Infantry of the 82d and 80th Divisions, and very materially contributed to the success attained by those units.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 56 (1922)
  

Home Town: New Town Landing, Mississippi

Williams, Herbert O.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Herbert O. Williams, Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As an officer of the Inspector General's Department General Williams' rare efficiency, fearlessness, and good judgment in the inspection of large commands and in the investigation and solution of intricate problems presenting unusual difficulties have been of the greatest value and have materially facilitated the operations of the War Department and of the Army during the emergency.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 103 (1919)
  

Home Town: Tupelo, Mississippi

Williams, Richard H.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Richard H. Williams, Colonel (Coast Artillery), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As G-2, 1st Army Corps, Colonel Williams displayed rare ability in the organization and administration of that section, being tireless in the energy with which he handled each problem during successive offensives. Later, as G-2, 3d Army, he achieved brilliant successes when confronted with duties of a most exacting and difficult nature, accomplishing all by his zeal and ability.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 62 (1919)
  

Home Town: Jersey City Heights, New Jersey

Williams, Richard H., Jr.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Richard H. Williams, Jr., Lieutenant Colonel (Quartermaster Corps), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to

the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. In the Remount Service, American Expeditionary Forces, through his farsightedness Lieutenant Colonel Williams saw the necessity for and by his untiring effort succeeded in expediting the obtaining of animals for the American Expeditionary Forces that were of vital importance for our Army.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 19 (1922)
  

Home Town: Mendham, New Jersey

Williamson, Sydney B.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Sydney B. Williamson, Colonel (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Section Engineer, Intermediate Section West, Services of Supply, France, Colonel Williamson constructed hospitals, depots, camps, and miscellaneous structures. He displayed rare technical skill, broad vision and business experience, untiring energy and devotion to duty, contributing in a material way to the successful operations of the American forces in France.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 15 (1923)
  

Home Town: New York, New York

Williford, Forrest E.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Forrest E. Williford, Colonel (Coast Artillery), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Colonel Williford served with marked efficiency as Director of the Trench Artillery School at Langres and Commandant of the Trench Artillery Center at Vitrey. Later, as Chief of the Trench Artillery Section in the Office of the Chief of Artillery, American Expeditionary Forces, he initiated the plans of and controlled the training of this important branch of the Artillery arm with exceptional ability, rendering services of inestimable value to the American Expeditionary Forces.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 56 (1922)
  

Home Town: Bayle City, Illinois

Wills, Van Leer

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Van Leer Wills, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, 92d Division, from 9 September to 9 November 1918, as Deputy Chief of Staff, 1st Army, American Expeditionary Forces, from 11 November 1918 to 20 April 1919, and as Acting Chief of Staff for various periods, Colonel Wills' duties involving the direction of re-equipment and supply of the 1st Army units which marched into Germany with the 3d American Army; the direction of the policing of the 1st Army's battlefields and the withdrawal of the 1st Army to rest areas; planning and supervising the training, recreation, and vocational training of the 1st Army while in rest areas awaiting transportation home, as Assistant to Chief of Staff, G-4, Services of Supply from April 1919 to August 1919, and Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4, Services of Supply, from August 1919 to October 1919, he supervised the liquidation and disposal of the vast supplies involved in the dissolution of the Services of Supply. He displayed rare initiative, outstanding administrative and executive ability, and unremitting devotion to duty in these positions of grave responsibility, contributing signally to the successful repatriation of the American Army and the prompt and effective liquidation of the affairs of the American Expeditionary Forces.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 15 (1923)
  

Home Town: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Wilson, George K.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to George K. Wilson, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Assistant Chief of Staff in charge of the Administrative Section of the General Staff, first of a division, later a corps, and finally of an army, Colonel Wilson displayed marked ability in every capacity in which he was employed. By his thorough knowledge and grasp of his duties he became a material factor in the successful operations of his several departments.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 50 (1919)
  

Home Town: Pueblo, Colorado

Wilson, Louis B.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Louis B. Wilson, Colonel (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Assistant to the Director of Laboratories and Infectious Diseases, American Expeditionary Forces, Colonel Wilson organized most efficiently a pathological service throughout the American Expeditionary Forces in France that was of inestimable value to the medical and surgical services.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 27 (1922)
  

Home Town: Rochester, Minnesota

Wilson, Walter K.

(First Award)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Walter K. Wilson (0-1700), Colonel (Coast Artillery), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government

of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I, in the organization and administration of the Cable Service of the War Department in the United States, thereby enabling that service to meet the excessive demands made upon it during the war.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 18 (1919)
  

Home Town: Nashville, Tennessee

Wilson, William H.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to William H. Wilson, Colonel (Coast Artillery), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the

United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Colonel Wilson displayed extensive scientific knowledge, together with a keen practical grasp of conditions, as Artillery Inspector with the first battalion of American Railway Artillery in action against the enemy. As a member of the Training Section, he was at all times energetic and tactful in the supervision of training of railway, tractor, trench, and anti-aircraft artillery. As its Executive Officer, he organized and conducted an item of the general system of the Training Section, being tireless in devotion to his important duties.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 62 (1919)
  

Home Town: Cincinnati, Ohio

Winans, Edwin B.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Edwin B. Winans, Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. General Winans showed marked efficiency and excellent judgment while Commanding the 64th Infantry Brigade, 32d Division, in the actions at the second Battle of the Marine, in the attack and capture of Juvigny, and in the operations of Bois-de-la-Morine, Bois-de-Chene Sec, and Bantheville Woods. In these actions, by his tactical ability, he was always maser of the situation and executed his plans with a confidence that was an inspiration to his troops.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 59 (1919)
  

Home Town: Hamburg, Michigan

Wingate, George Albert

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to George Albert Wingate, Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. In Command of the 52d Field Artillery Brigade, 27th Division, General Wingate served with marked distinction in the St. Mihiel operation, displaying military attainments of a high order. In the Meuse-Argonne offensive he proved himself possessed of exceptional tactical ability, working with untiring energy that the Infantry might have all the advantages of Artillery support. With sound judgment, unusual foresight, and wide comprehension of conditions and facilities available, he conducted operations in that offensive with brilliant success, repeatedly solving the difficult problems incident thereto.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 126 (1919)
  

Home Town: Brooklyn, New York

Winn, Charles D.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Charles D. Winn, Colonel (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Commanding Officer of the 306th Field Artillery, 77th Division, Colonel Winn displayed high qualities of leadership. Maintaining a high standard of efficiency and morale in his regiment, he constantly kept his command in close proximity to the attacking infantry, furnishing it accurate and timely support, furthering its rapid advance, and contributing to the successes gained.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 89 (1919)
  

Home Town: Paris, Kentucky

Winn, Frank L.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Frank L. Winn, Major General, U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Commander of the 177th Infantry Brigade and later of the 89th Division, General Winn displayed military attainments of a high order and achieved signal successes. In the St. Mihiel and Meuse- Argonne offensive he accompanied the assaulting battalions and placed them on their objectives, inspiring all by his personal courage and gaining their confidence by his exceptional tactical skill and ability as a leader. At all times he was tireless in energy, showing keen judgment and initiative in handling difficult situations.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 62 (1919)
  

Home Town: Winchester, Kentucky

Winship, Blanton

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Blanton Winship, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Colonel Winship served with distinction as Judge Advocate of the 42d Division and of the 1st Army. As Commanding Officer of the 110th Infantry, 28th Division, he displayed marked qualities of leadership. Later, as Judge Advocate of the Services of Supply, and as Chief of Rents, Requisitions, and Claims Service, he displayed professional attainments and judgment of a high order, contributing, in no small degree, to the success of the operations

during the war and afterwards in the liquidation of our affairs in France.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 19 (1920)
  

Home Town: Macon, Georgia

Winslow, E. Eveleth

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to E. Eveleth Winslow, Colonel (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. While in charge of the Military Section of the Office of the Chief of Engineers during the early period of the war, Colonel Winslow's services were marked by the energy, zeal, and good judgment which were essential to the procurement of personnel and equipment and the organization and training of engineer organizations for overseas service.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 47 (1919)
  

Home Town: Boston, Massachusetts

Winters, Francis A.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Francis A. Winters, Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Chief Surgeon of the lines of communication, American Expeditionary Forces, from June to December 1917, General Winters organized medical units at the base port and in camps in France. He established large supply depots, from which medical supplies were distributed to the American Expeditionary Forces and by keen foresight and administrative ability made these supplies at all times available for our armies.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 59 (1919)
  

Home Town: St. Louis, Missouri

Wittenmyer, Edmund

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Edmund Wittenmyer, Major General, U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. General Wittenmyer served with marked distinction as Brigade Commander in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, and as Division Commander in the final operations in the Toul sector, and in both capacities, by his untiring efforts and breadth of vision, proved himself to be an able leader.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 12 (1919)
  

Home Town: Dunbarton, Ohio

Wolf, Paul A.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Paul A. Wolf, Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. In the attacks on Bois-de-Forges, St. Hilaire, Boise-de-Warville, and Bois-des-Hautes-Epines, France, in September and October 1918, the conspicuous success of the brigade was due to General Wolf's splendid leadership and skill.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 59 (1919)
  

Home Town: Kewanee, Illinois

Wolfe, Edwin P.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Edwin P. Wolfe, Colonel (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Colonel Wolfe systematized and controlled the distribution of medical supplies with so much foresight and good judgment that his service was able to meet promptly all the emergencies of

the United States as they occurred.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 69 (1919)
  

Home Town: New York, New York

Wolfe, Samuel H.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Samuel H. Wolfe, Colonel (Quartermaster Corps), U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Officer in Charge of Insurance Maters, Cantonment Division, Quartermaster General's Office, by his unusual constructive ability, foresight, and familiarity with large financial problems, Colonel Wolfe rendered conspicuous service resulting in the saving of large sums to the Government. As a Member of the Committee on Labor of the Advisory Commission of the Council of National Defense, he again rendered invaluable services in the preparation of necessary legislation to provide for the dependents of enlisted personnel of the Army and Navy, which later became the War Risk Insurance Bureau in France and England. Later, as Assistant Director and Executive Officer in the Office of the Director of Finance, his thorough knowledge of financial problems proved of the greatest assistance to the Director of Finance and of inestimable value to the Government.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 43 (1922)
  

Home Town: New York, New York

Wood, Leonard

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Leonard Wood, Major General, U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As a Department, Division, and Camp Commander during the war, General Wood has displayed qualities of leadership and professional attainments of a high order in the administration and training of his various commands, and has furthered in every way during the war the system of officers' training schools.

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  War Department, General Orders No. 47 (1919)
  

Home Town: Boston, Massachusetts