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Erie County PA
Congressional Medal of Honor & Distinguished Service Cross & Distinguished Service Medal Issued by the War Department, 1919

Contributed by Tammy Clark


Thomas L. Guyer (Army serial No. 2426651), private, Company I, 119th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 29, 1918. Although severely wounded by shell fire, he remained on duty as machine-gun ammunition carrier throughout the day, refusing to be evacuated. His example of courage inspired those serving near him. Residence at enlistment: 332 East Street, Erie, Pa.


Alexander MacWilliam, first sergeant, 313th Machine Gun Battalion. For extraordinary heroism in action near Nantillois, France, October 4-5, 1918 Concealing the fact that he was severely wounded, he remained on duty until the afternoon of the following day. While in this condition, he went to the aid of a wounded comrade and brought him to a place of safety, his route being subjected to a concentrated artillery bombardment. Residence at enlistment: 808 French Street, Erie, Pa.


Samuel Mascorelia, private. Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Mezy, France, July 15, 1918. He volunteered and carried a message to headquarters after two runners had been killed while attempting to get through a barrage. He returned through the barrage with an answer to the message. Residence at enlistment: 224 East Second Street, Erie, Pa.


John H. Michener, first lieutenant, Air Service, pilot, 1st Aero Squadron. For extraordinary heroism in action near Várennes, France, October 4, 1918. He was assigned the mission of locating the front lines of our troops at a time when dense mist and low clouds compelled him to fly at an altitude of only 100 meters. His observer's signal rockets drew fire from an advanced hostile machine-gun battery and Lieut. Michener was wounded in the leg. Despite his wound, he continued the mission until the position of our troops was ascertained. He was then compelled to land on shell-torn ground behind the lines, the plane being completely wrecked. Residence at appointment: Erie. Pa.


William M. Spencer, second lieutenant, Company L, 3d Battalion, 165th Infnutry. He led his platoon in an attack which stormed and took the strongly prepared enemy positions on the heights north of the River Ourcq. near Villerssur-Fere, France, on July 28, 1918. He maintained the position thus gained under a fire that lasted for seven hours. During this entire time he continually circulated among his men, cheering them, and giving the wounded first aid. In order to reach and administer aid to his wounded captain, he passed without cover into an area which was under extremely heavy machine-gun fire and was himself wounded. Residence at appointment: 519 West Sixth Street, Erie, Pa.


Arthur J. Young, private, Medical Detachment, 6th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Romagne, France, October 10, 1918. Although wounded by a machine-gun bullet, he carried four comrades to a shell hole through terrific shell and machine-gun fire and dressed their wounds. He then carried them to a place of safety in the rear of our lines. Residence at enlistment: 1114 West Eighteenth Street, Erie, 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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