Dauphin County PA
Congressional Medal of Honor & Distinguished Service Cross &
Distinguished Service Medal Issued by the War Department, 1919
Contributed by Tammy Clark
*Paul Bates, sergeant, Company F, 30th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Crezancy, France, July 15, 1918, and near Cunel, France,
October 10, 1918. During a terrific bombardment on the morning of July 15
Sergt. (then Pvt.) Bates carried in and dressed the wounded at great personal
risk to himself. On October 10, near Cunel, although fatally wounded, be
continued to command his men in attack on machine guns until the end. Emergency
address: Margaret Chester, friend, Williamstown, Pa. Residence at enlistment
: Williamstown, Pa.
Ross H. Boas, first lieutenant, 1st Engineers. For extraordinary heroism
in action near Soissons, France, July 19, 1918. After being wounded Lieut.
Boas continued to lead two platoons of Engineers, acting as Infantry in the
protection of the flank of the brigade, for three days, exposed to terrific
machine- gun and artillery fire throughout the attack, during which time
more than two-thirds of his detachment were lost. Residence at appointment:
115 State Street, Harrisburg, Pa.
Samuel A. Bowman, second lieutenant, Field Artillery, observer, 12th
Aero Squadron, Air Service. For extraordinary heroism in action in the Aire
Valley, near Fleville, France, October 4, 1918. He displayed remarkable bravery
and devotion to duty while on an Infantry contact-patrol mission. In the
performance of this duty the poor visibility necessitated flying at an altitude
of less than 100 meters in order to distinguish front lines, and heavy
machine-gun fire was encountered from the enemy positions in Flêville.
The plane was pierced many times and he was severely wounded, but, in spite
of this fact, he continued on his mission until the front line was located,
after which he wrote and dropped clear and accurate messages to division
and corps command posts, giving valuable and timely information. Residence
at appointment: Millersburg, Pa.
Samuel Wilson Fleming, Jr., major, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Beaumont, France, November 9, 1918. On the night of
November 9, he received a serious and painful wound from a high-explosive
shell, but refused to be evacuated, and continued in command of his battalion
until the signing of the armistice on November 11. He was exposed not only
to heavy enemy fire but to severe weather conditions as well. Residence at
appointment: 104 South Street, Harrisburg, Pa.
Guy M. Habecker, corporal, Company I, 316th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Verdun, France, November 4-6, 1918. While performing
the duties of supply sergeant Corpl. Habecker succeeded in getting food to
his company, which was holding the outpost line. He led carrying parties
through heavy shell fire, bringing hot coffee and bread to the men. On one
occasion he made the journey unaided, taking with him a large quantity of
bread. Residence at enlistment: 353 Locust Street, Steelton. Pa.
Francis X. Naughton (Army serial No. 1246140), private, Sanitary
Detachment, 112th Infantry, 28th Division. For extraordinary heroism in action
in the Argonne Sector, France, October 1, 1918. While mess was being served
a shell exploded, killing 9 men and wounding 2d. Pvt. Naughton, although
severely wounded in the chest with shell splinters, one leg blown nearly
off, and bleeding badly, refused help until the others had been attended
to. Skilled in first aid, he instructed others how to adjust a tourniquet
and rendered other assistance to the wounded, finally permitting his own
wounds, which subsequently caused his death, to be attended after all others
were cared for. Emergency address: Timothy Naughton, father. 201 Briggs Street.
Harrisburg, Pa. Residence at enlistment: 201 Briggs Street. Harrisburg. Pa.
Graver C. Sheckart, sergeant, 316th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism
in action near Montfaucon, France, September 29, 1918. After his commanding
officer had been wounded and taken from the field, Sergt. Sheckart reorganized
two platoons of his company and led them into a thick woods against strong
machine-gun nests. He advanced alone against a machine-gun crew, killed the
officer in charge, and took four prisoners. He continued to lead his men
during the advance of that day, in spite of a wound in the foot, which caused
his evacuation in the evening. Residence at enlistment: 137 West Chocolate
Avenue, Hershey, Pa.
Daniel C. Shroy (Army serial No. 1193798), private. Headquarters
Detachment, 10th Field Artillery. For extraordinary heroism in action near
Courbon, France, July 15, 1918. He repeatedly volunteered and carried messages
over areas heavily bombarded with gas and high-explosive shells until he
was gassed and forced to go to an aid station. Residence at enlistment: 128
Ann Street, Middletown, Pa.
Edward J. Stackpole, Jr., captain. 110th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Baslieux-les-Fismes, France, August 24, 1918. Directed
to advance to a new position, he led his men forward with great gallantry.
Although painfully wounded in the back and leg by shell fragments, he remained
on duty with his men, inspiring them by his courage and coolness to hold
a difficult position against repeated attacks by the enemy in force for a
period of 24 hours. Residence at appointment: 1825 North Front Street,
Harrisburg, 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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