Clearfield County PA
Congressional Medal of Honor & Distinguished Service Cross &
Distinguished Service Medal Issued by the War Department, 1919
Contributed by Tammy Clark
Lester Carson, private, Company L, 111th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action at Fismette, France, August 11, 1918. After a runner had
been killed trying to carry a message from Fismette to Fismes, Pvt. Carson
volunteered and successfully delivered a duplicate message over the same
route through heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. Residence at enlistment:
305 Daisy Street, Clearfield, Pa.
James Cowie, sergeant, Company K. 9th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near St. Georges, France, November 3, 1918. While advancing
with his platoon under heavy machine-gun fire, and after providing shelter
for his men, Sergt. Cowie, with two of his men, outflanked a gun, capturing
it and 18 prisoners. Residence at enlistment: 20 Dickson Avenue, Dubois,
??.
Arma Duey (?rm? serial No. 548062), private, first class, Company L,
30th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Jaulgonne. France,
July 23, 1918. During the attack made by his company, Pvt. Duey constantly
carried messages under heaviest shell fire, insuring and maintaining liaison
with all neighboring units. Residence at enlistment: R. F. D. No. 1, Houtzdale,
Pa.
* John M Gallagher, corporal, Company C, 1st Engineers. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Verdun. France, October 9. 1918. While his battalion
was defending a hill captured from the enemy, Corpl. Gallagher was placed
on the extreme right of the line nearest to the enemy, when an enemy
counterattack was launched against their position. On account of the severe
casualties indicted, orders were given to withdraw. Remaining alone at his
post after the withdrawal, Corpl. Gallagher valiantly resisted the attack,
advancing about 30 yards, when he saw the enemy strip the body of his dead
commanding officer. Later, when his company drove the enemy beyond the former
position, they found the body of Corpl. Gallagher lying across his rifle.
In a circle facing him were the bodies of six Germans, whose lives he exacted
during the unequal struggle. Emergency address: Thomas B. Gallagher, father,
Ginter, Pa. Residence at enlistment: Ginter, Pa.
Francis P. McDermott, sergeant, first class, Section No. 524, Ambulance
Service. For extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August
8, 1918. He remained on duty for 30 hours, guiding and directing the ambulances
to and from the most advanced points. He volunteered and acted as stretcher
bearer in full view of the enemy and under heavy machine-gun fire. At one
point he cleared the road of débris under machine-gun fire and guided
ambulances to the wounded. Residence at enlistment: Houtzdale, Pa.
Ralph A. Whiteman (Army serial No. 1773801), sergeant, Company D,
312th Infantry. 78th Division. For extraordinary heroism in action at Grandpre.
France. October 18, 1918. When his detachment had become disorganized by
sniper and machine-gun fire, Sergt. Whiteman, without regard for personal
danger, reorganized his command, and by his gallant example led his men against
the enemy machine-gun position, capturing it and bringing the gun back to
our lines. Residence at enlistment: 201 North Second Street, Clearfield,
Pa.
Source: Congressional Medal of Honor & Distinguished Service Cross &
Distinguished Service Medal Issued by the War Department, 1919
Distinguished Service Cross
* Indicates Posthumous Award
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