World War I last Names h q compiled and Edited By

• 
  General Orders No. 1, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Helena, Montana

McSorley, James

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James McSorley, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company E, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, A.E.F., near Roncheres, France, July 30, 1918. Painfully wounded in the left arm, Sergeant McSorley continued to lead his platoon in the face of terrific machine-gun fire, remaining with his men and directing the advance until he was ordered to the rear.

• 
  General Orders 66, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Eau Claire, Wisconsin

McSweeney, Daniel S.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Daniel S. McSweeney, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Division, A.E.F., near Ivoiry, France, September 27, 1918. Leaving a place of shelter, Sergeant McSweeney voluntarily crawled about 400 yards in advance of the front-line elements of his battalion and attempted to rescue a wounded officer. He then crossed an area swept by intense enemy machine-gun fire and attempted to capture an enemy machine gun which was causing heavy casualties in his company. While so engaged he was severely wounded by enemy fire.

• 
  General Orders No. No. 14, War Department, 1923
  

Home Town: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

*McVey, Joseph E.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph E. McVey, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F., near Soissons, France, July 18 - 21, 1918. After his platoon commander had been wounded, Private McVey took command of the platoon and displayed exceptional initiative, good judgment, and devotion to duty. He alone captured a machine-gun which was holding up the advance and continued to lead his men forward until reaching their final objective. He himself was killed.

• 
  General Orders No. 21, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Kansas City, Missouri

McVickar, Lansing

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Lansing McVickar, First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, 1st Division, A.E.F., near Very, France, October 4, 1918. Lieutenant McVickar volunteered and took forward a gun to the aid of the infantry under most hazardous circumstances. Despite the loss of two horses and the wounding of several of his men, he continued until he encountered an enemy barrage, from which it was necessary to take cover. He exposed himself to the barrages on five different occasions to bring in wounded men.

• 
  General Orders No. 44, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Cambridge, Massachusetts

McVicker, Franklin D.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Franklin D. McVicker, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, A.E.F., at Vaux, France, July 1, 1918. Acting as stretcher bearer, although wounded twice, Private McVicker continued to make trips through an intense barrage to carry back wounded.

• 
  General Orders No. 99, War Department, 1918
  

Home Town: Portage, Pennsylvania

Meador, Ernest

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ernest Meador, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 122d Machine-Gun Battalion, 33d Division, A.E.F., near Bois-de-Chaume, France, October 10, 1918. Having induced a stretcher bearer to accompany him, Private Meador made his way through heavy shell and machine-gun fire to the front of the line, to aid a wounded comrade. His stretcher bearer was killed in the exploit, but Private Meador placed the man on the stretcher and dragged him back to safety.

• 
  General Orders No. 44, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Delavan, Illinois

Mebreski, Michell

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Michell Mebreski, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company I, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, A.E.F., near Thiaucourt, France, September 12, 1918. Corporal Mebreski, with about 12 men, assisted in flanking a machine-gun nest and then captured a German ammunition dump, with about 65 prisoners.

• 
  General Orders No. 46, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Beacon, New York

Mecom, John H.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Mecom, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company E, 125th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, A.E.F., near Cierges, France, July 31, 1918. Though severely wounded while advancing with his platoon in the face of heavy fire from enemy machine guns, Private Mecom refused to return to the rear for first aid and he not only continued in the advance but with another soldier successfully attacked a machine-gun nest.

• 
  General Orders No. 20, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Eufaula, Oklahoma

*Medeiros, Frank L.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank L. Medeiros, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company I, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F., during the counterattack by the enemy near Cantigny, France, May 28, 1918. By courageous devotion to duty and presence of mind under fire Sergeant Medeiros prevented the advance against the left flank of his command, which threatened the success of the battle, While exposing himself fearlessly to distribute ammunition and to counsel his men he was killed.

• 
  General Orders No. 99, War Department, 1918
  

Home Town: South Boston, Massachusetts

Meehan, Edward J.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward J. Meehan, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, A.E.F., near Monthurel, France, July 17 - 18, 1918. Early in the morning while in an advanced position in the fight, Captain Meehan was severely wounded, but refused to leave his command, and continued to direct its operations until it was relieved the night of July 18, 1918.

• 
  General Orders No. No. 109, War Department, 1918
  

Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

*Meehan, George R.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George R. Meehan, Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F., near Exermont, France, October 5, 1918. Lieutenant Meehan led his platoon through heavy artillery and machine-gun fire and urged his men forward in the attack by advancing ahead of the line. He was mortally wounded while in advance of his platoon. His example was such that inspired his men to continue in the advance and take their objective.

• 
  General Orders No. 60, War Department, 1920
  

Home Town: New York, New York

*Meek, Fielding V.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Fielding V. Meek, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 11th Infantry Regiment (Attached), 5th Division, A.E.F., near Liny, France, October 5, 1918, Private Meek distinguished himself by his untiring efforts in administering first aid to the wounded never hesitating to expose himself to danger in searching for wounded on the field. While making his way through unusually heavy machine-gun fire to a wounded soldier, whom he had seen fall, Private Meeks was mortally wounded.

• 
  General Orders 89, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Smithfield, Kentucky

Meeks, Corbett

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Corbett Meeks, First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company H, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, A.E.F., near Cunel, France, October 21, 1918. During a counterattack, First Sergeant Meeks advanced alone over open country, under heavy machine-gun fire, to a sniping point, and by his efficient resistance, greatly aided in the breaking up of the counterattack.

• 
  General Orders No. 37, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Neola, Kentucky

Meffin, James D.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James D. Meffin, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, A.E.F., near Verdun, France, October 15, 1918. Corporal Meffin showed extraordinary courage and bravery in going beyond our front line, under heavy machine-gun fire, and bringing back two wounded comrades.

• 
  General Orders No. 23, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Springfield, Massachusetts

Meissner, James A.

(First Award)

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James A. Meissner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the Toul sector in May 2, 1918. First Lieutenant Meissner attacked three enemy planes at an altitude 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 entering 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 succeeded in making a landing within the American lines.

• 
  General Orders No. No. 121, War Department, 1918
  

Home Town: Brooklyn, New York

Meissner, James A.

(Second Award)

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) is presented to James A. Meissner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Jaulny, France, May 30, 1918. Lieutenant Meissner attacked two enemy planes at an altitude of 4,500 meters above Jaulny, and after a sharp engagement shot one down in flames and forced the other back into its own territory.

• 
  General Orders No. No. 121, War Department, 1918
  

Home Town: Brooklyn, New York

Melcher, Edward J.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward J. Melcher, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Forty-Seventh Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., 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.

• 
  General Order No. 44, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Louisville, Kentucky

Melfi, Jerry

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jerry Melfi, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company F, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, A.E.F., near Bois-de-Bantheville, France, October 14, 1918. After two runners had been wounded attempting to get liaison with the troops on the left of his regiment, Private Melfi, though sick from exposure, volunteered and successfully crossed an open field which was constantly swept by enemy machine-gun fire. Having accomplished his mission, he returned through the same machine-gun fire and delivered to his company commander the information he had gained. Private Melfi's devotion to duty and fearlessness were an inspiration to his comrades.

• 
  General Orders No. No. 49, War Department, 1922
  

Home Town: Swissvale, Pennsylvania

Mell, Patrick H.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Patrick H. Mell, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 213th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the region of Bantheville, France, October 28, 1918. While voluntarily a member of a patrol of six airplanes, Lieutenant Mell attacked four enemy airplanes at an altitude of 2,500 meters. Nine additional enemy airplanes almost immediately joined in the fight. Despite the overwhelming number of enemy airplanes, Lieutenant Mell by great skill in maneuvering and with great bravery succeeded in bringing down out of control one of the enemy airplanes. On November 6 Lieutenant Mell with one other pilot attacked three enemy airplanes at an altitude of 3,000 meters 15 kilometers within the enemy lines, destroying one and combating another until within 50 meters of the ground, where they became separated in the fog. The outstanding bravery and superb devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Mell greatly inspired the members of his squadron.

• 
  General Orders No. No. 14, War Department, 1923
  

Home Town: Augusta, Georgia

Mellen, Clifford B.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clifford B. Mellen, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, A.E.F., 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. Private 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.

• 
  General Orders No. 21, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Worcester, Massachusetts

Melrose, Andrew R.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Andrew R. Melrose, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 107th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division, A.E.F., near Vendhuile, France, September 28, 1918. Leaving the protection of a trench, Corporal Melrose 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 inspiration to the men serving with him.

• 
  General Orders 87, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Marcus, Iowa

*Menard, Alexander

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alexander Menard, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 107th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division, A.E.F., east of Ronssoy, France, September 29, 1918. Corporal Menard, with three other soldiers, went out into an open field under heavy shell and machine-gun fire and succeeded in carrying back to our lines four seriously wounded men.

• 
  General Orders No. 20, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Malone, New York

Mendelson, Joseph A.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph A. Mendelson, First Lieutenant (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 305th Infantry Regiment (Attached), 77th Division, A.E.F., near Ville Savoye, France, August 15 - 16, 1918. During a heavy enemy bombardment with gas and high explosive shells, Lieutenant 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 proceeded to the aid station of another battalion and assisted 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.

• 
  General Orders 95, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Washington, D.C.

Mendenhall, Fred D.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Fred D. Mendenhall, First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 7th Engineers, 5th Division, A.E.F., near Cunel, France, October 20, 1918. Although his platoon was constantly under heavy shell and machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Mendenhall courageously 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.

• 
  General Orders No. 37, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Denver, Colorado

Menefee, Marvin James

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Marvin James Menefee, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division, A.E.F., at Molleville Farm, France, October 12, 1918, while in charge of a 37-mm. gun section in advance of the assaulting troops, Lieutenant Menefee displayed unusual courage by operating the gun himself after his gunners had been killed, thereby reducing a machine-gun nest which had been holding up the line.

• 
  General Orders No. 44, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Luray, Virginia

Menge, William M.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William M. Menge, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 23d Infantry Regiment (Attached), 2d Division, A.E.F., near St. Etienne-a-Arnes, France, October 3 - 9, 1918. Throughout the engagement 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.

• 
  General Orders No. 35, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Elizabeth, New Jersey

Menges, Ben H.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ben H. Menges, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, A.E.F., 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 resisted him and after clearing out several dugouts in the woods, returned with eight prisoners and valuable information. His act of valor was instrumental in warding off a strong enemy counterattack.

• 
  General Orders 64, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Athens, Maine

Meni, Jean

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jean Meni, Captain, French Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Pilot, 16th Pursuit Group, French Air Service, in the St. Mihiel offensive, France, September 12, 1918. Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, Captain Meni made a reconnaissance flight over the enemy lines, returning with valuable information concerning the evacuation of the enemy and the dominant position of Montsec.

• 
  General Orders 62, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: France

Menter, Linus H.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Linus H. Menter, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 23d Infantry Regiment (Attached), 2d Division, A.E.F., 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.

• 
  General Orders No. 35, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: Parish, New York

Mercer, Howard F.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Howard F. Mercer, First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 308th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division, A.E.F., near Stonne, France, November 6, 1918. Voluntarily leading a patrol for a flank attack on the town of Stonne, through unusual artillery fire and exacting machine-gun fire, Sergeant Mercer, leaving his patrol, went forward alone to draw fire from the nests in order to divert the enemy's attention from the attacking patrol.

• 
  General Orders No. 35, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: New York, New York

Merel, Robert

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert Merel, First Lieutenant of Infantry, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 91st Division, A.E.F. (Attached), near Spitaals- Bosschen and Audenarde, Belgium, October 31- November 1, 1918. Armed with an automatic rifle, Lieutenant Merel went forward alone and killed the gunner of an enemy machine-gun whose fire had been holding up the advancing line.

• 
  General Orders No. 46, War Department, 1919
  

Home Town: France

Merkel, Edmo E.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edmo E. Merkel, Pharmacist's Mate Second, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Corpsman (Attached), Company F, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., near Blanc Mont, France, October 3 - 4, 1918. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Merkel 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.