Major, 168th Infantry. Major Ross displayed notable gallantry on March 9, 1918, in leading a command of untried men in company with French troops in a successful raid on enemy trenches in the Saliant du Feys, France.
By his heroic conduct he inspired both his own men, and the men of our ally participating in the operation.
An Oak-leaf cluster is awarded Major Ross for the following acts of distinguished service:
The courage, resolution, and resource of Major Ross as battalion commander made possible the successful capture of Hills 288, 242, and Cote-de-Chatillion, France, October 14, 15, and 16, 1918.
This was accomplished only after the most desperate fighting through wire and trenched against a resolute and determined defense involving frequent and bitter counter attacks.
His brilliant and determined leadership was an example and inspiration to the entire command.
Residence at appointment:
605 Hammond St.
Red Oak, Iowa
Source: Official Register, State of Iowa 1921-1922, Twenty-Ninth Number, Military Decorations of Iowans in the World War, pg. 369-370.
~ Transcribed and submitted by Sharyl Ferrall
Thomas J. Gray
Private, Company M, 168th Infantry. Private Gray distinguished himself northeast of Chateau Thierry, France on July 28, 1918. Along with four other men, he raided an enemy machine gun nest held by 12 Germans.
As a result of their daring, and presence of mind, one of the enemy was killed, the other 11 captured, and their four machine guns turned upon the retreating foe.
Residence at enlistment:
Elliott, Iowa
Source: Official Register, State of Iowa 1921-1922, Twenty-Ninth Number, Military Decorations of Iowans in the World War, pg. 364.
~ Transcribed and submitted by Sharyl Ferrall
Adolph Swanson
Private, Company I, 357th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Les Huit Chemins, France, September 29, 1918. Private Swanson volunteered and accompanied Lieutenant Charles D. Priest in going 600 yards beyond
the front line and assisted him in carrying to safety a wounded man.
Residence at enlistment:
R.F.D. No. 5, Box No. 85
Red Oak, Iowa
Source: Official Register, State of Iowa 1921-1922, Twenty-Ninth Number, Military Decorations of Iowans in the World War, pg. 372.
~ Transcribed and submitted by Sharyl Ferrall
James B. Lepley
Sergeant, Company M, 168th Infantry. Near Souain, to the northeast of Chalons-sur-Marne, France, on the night of July 14-15, 1918, Sergeant Lepley left his trench and returned to the woods through a smothering fire of gas,
high explosive and shrapnel to search for two men from his platoon who were missing. He found them lost in the woods and guided them back to the platoon.
On July 28, 1918, near Sergy, France, he led his platoon forward in the face of a heavy machine gun fire and captured six machine guns and 13 prisoners from the Prussian Guards.
Residence at enlistment:
Red Oak, Iowa
Source: Official Register, State of Iowa 1921-1922, Twenty-Ninth Number, Military Decorations of Iowans in the World War, pg. 366-367.
~ Transcribed and submitted by Sharyl Ferrall
Charles J. Casey
Captain, 168th Infantry, 42d Division. Captain Casey displayed notable gallantry on March 9, 1918, in leading a command of untried men in company with French troops in a successful raid on enemy trenches
in the Slient du Feys, France. By his heroic conduct he inspired both is own men and the men of our ally participating in the operation.
Residence at appointment:
Red Oak, Iowa
Source: Official Register, State of Iowa 1921-1922, Twenty-Ninth Number, Military Decorations of Iowans in the World War, pg. 362.
~ Transcribed and submitted by Sharyl Ferrall
John C. Christopher
First Lieutenant, 168th Infantry. Lieutenant Christopher led his platoon against the Prussian Guards on Hill 212, near Sergy, France on July 28, 1918.
So courageous was he and so skillful in directing the attack that 13 of the enemy's best troops were captured at their guns and six machine guns were taken and turned on the foe.
Residence at appointment:
308 Eighth Street, Red Oak, Iowa
Source: Official Register, State of Iowa 1921-1922, Twenty-Ninth Number, Military Decorations of Iowans in the World War, pg. 362.
~ Transcribed and submitted by Sharyl Ferrall
Earle W. Wilson
(Army serial No. 102466), Sergeant, Company M, 168th Infantry. Sergeant Wilson showed extraordinary heroism in action near Sergy, France, July 28, 1918.
Showing great personal bravery and contempt of danger at all times during the attack on Hill 212, he maneuvered his platoon so skillfully as to capture a machine gun position with four of its occupants,
after which he operated the two enemy guns thus taken against the retreating Germans.
Residence at enlistment:
Red Oak, Iowa
Source: Official Register, State of Iowa 1921-1922, Twenty-Ninth Number, Military Decorations of Iowans in the World War, pg. 373.
~ Transcribed and submitted by Sharyl Ferrall
