Blair County PA Distinguished Service Cross
Source: Congressional Medal of Honor & Distinguished Service Cross &
Distinguished Service Medal Issued by the War Department, 1919
Distinguished Service Cross
Contributed by Tammy Clark
Glenn M. Grove, sergeant, Company D, 11th Machine Gun Battalion. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Nantillois, France, September 20, 1918.
He, with two officers, using captured German Maxim guns, pushed forward to
a heavily shelled area, from which the other troops had withdrawn, and by
their accurate and effective fire kept groups of the enemy from occupying
advantageous positions. When given permission to withdraw he declined to
do so, but maintained fire superiority all afternoon until it became too
dark to see. His conspicuous gallantry furnished an Inspiration to the other
members of the command. Residence at enlistment: 1031 Washington Avenue,
Tyrone, Pa.
*Benjamin H Hewit, captain, Company F, 316th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 28-29, 1918. He led
his men into battle with such fearlessness and valor that he was at all times
able to reorganize and continued in command, always being under terrific
shell and machine-gun fire, but not until he had received a second wound
did he relinquish his command. While being taken from the field he received
a third wound. Emergency address: Oliver H. Hewit, father, Hollidaysburg,
Pa. Residence at appointment: Hollidaysburg, Pa.
George W. Langham, private, Company H, 128th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Juvigny, north of Soissons, France, August 29-Septemher
2, 19181. Though he had been severely gassed, he remained on duty with his
company while it was in the front line. Later, when it was in support, he
voluntarily aided in the work of carrying wounded across an area covered
by artillery and machine-gun fire. Residence at enlistment: 205 Locust Street,
Roaring Springs, Pa.
Blake Lightner, second lieutenant, 110th Infantry, 28th Division. For
extraordinary heroism in action at Courmont, France, July 29-31, 1918, and
near Montblainville, France, September 27, 1918, to October 3, 1918. Lieut.
Lightner voluntarily established an advance observation post at Courmont.
During his work he was knocked down by the concussion of an exploding shell,
but remained at his post. Throughout the action in the Argonne he repeatedly
exposed himself while leading his men. At Montblainville, although wounded
by a shell splinter, he continued in action, and succeeded in putting into
operation German machine guns against the enemy, greatly assisting in repulsing
their counterattack. He refused to be evacuated until ordered to the rear.
Residence at appointment: 723 Chestnut Avenue, Altoona, Pa.
Frank B. Norton, sergeant, Company M, 328th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action at Cornay, France, October 9-10. 1918. After fighting for
six hours, he volunteered to accompany 15 other soldiers and an officer on
a night patrol of Cornay, which was held by many enemy machine-gun posts.
The party worked from 11 o'clock at night till next morning, clearing buildings
and dugouts of the enemy, capturing 65 prisoners and 2 machine guns. With
6 others, Sergt. Norton volunteered and entered a dugout where 23 prisoners
were captured. He was wounded while leaving the town, but he refused to go
to the aid station until the prisoners had been delivered at brigade
headquarters. Residence at enlistment: 1610 Fourth Avenue, Altoona, Pa.
Gilbert Owens (Army serial No. 40769), sergeant, Company M, 9th Infantry.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Médeah Ferme, France, October
3-5, 1918. Suffering from three severe scalp wounds, Sergt. Owens remained
with his company and for two days performed his duties under intense artillery
and machine-gun fire, until sent to the hospital completely exhausted. Residence
at enlistment: 1444 Lincoln Street, Tyrone, Pa.
Clair ?. Roberts, second lieutenant, 167th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, October 25. 1918 His
platoon suffered heavy casualties and he himself was gassed in the advance
on Hill 260. Being the first to reach this hill, he observed that the enemy
were forming for a counterattack. Displaying coolness and quick judgment
he organized all the available men in his vicinity and launched a vigorous
attack upon the enemy, who were routed. The daring and leader ship of this
officer enabled the support to reach Hill 260 without further fighting. Residence
at appointment: 209 East Walnut Avenue, Altoona, Pa.
*Charles R. Rowan, first lieutenant, 110th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Apremont, France, September 29, 1918. Being familiar
with the ground over which an attack was to be made, he volunteered to leave
his own company in the reserve and lead another company which was without
officers. The enemy attacked before our own operations were begun, and he
was wounded by a machine-gun bullet. Exemplifying in the highest degree the
spirit of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty, he remained with his command
for an hour and a half until the hostile attack was repulsed. He has since
died from the wounds received in this engagement. Emergency address: Mrs.
Richard M. Rowan, mother, 720 First Avenue, Altoona, Pa. Residence at appointment
: 720 First Avenue, Altoona, Pa.
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