Lackawanna County PA
Congressional Medal of Honor & Distinguished Service Cross &
Distinguished Service Medal Issued by the War Department, 1919
Contributed by Tammy Clark
Joseph Bobrynk (Army serial No. 1907052), private, Company G, 327th
Infantry, 82d Division. For extraordinary heroism in action near Chatel-
Chéhéry, France, October 7, 1918. After his company had suffered
heavy casualties in reaching its objective and consolidating its position,
Pvt. Bobrynk volunteered, and, single-handed, carried numerous wounded men
to the dressing station, crossing the Aire River in so doing and passing
each time through terrific artillery and machine-gun fire. Even after being
painfully gassed, he continued this work without thought for his own personal
safety. Residence at enlistment: 1110 Main Street, Dickson City, Pa.
Thomas V. Burns, private, Company E, 9th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Vierzy, France, July 18, 1918. He fearlessly sprang
to the assistance of a French officer and helped him, under fire, remove
a wounded French soldier from a burning tank which had been struck by a shell.
Afterwards seeing a gap opening in the firing line, he collected four men,
dashed forward and captured five machine guns, with which he held the line
until the arrival of reinforcements. He then rejoined his platoon, where
he rendered valuable service during the remainder of the battle. Residence
at enlistment: 1808 Sanderson Avenue, Scranton, Pa.
Walter Cook, gunnery sergeant, Company F, 5th Regiment, United States
Marine Corps. For extraordinary heroism in action near Blanc Mont, France,
October 6, 1918. Without regard for his own personal safety, he rescued two
men who were buried with dirt by the explosion of a German ammunition dump,
and refused to find cover for himself until every man of his command had
found a place of safety. Residence at enlistment: 624 Dundaff Street, Dickson
City, Pa.
Arthur Dieter, private, Company A, 103d Engineers. For extraordinary
heroism in action at St. Agnan, France, July 16, 1918. On four different
occasions during the night of July 16 he volunteered and under heavy shell
and machine-gun fire successfully rescued wounded comrades. Residence at
enlistment: 338 Prospect Street, Scranton, Pa.
Henry S. Lawrence, sergeant. Company B, 108th Machine Gun Battalion.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Baslieux, France, September 5, 1918.
When the advance of the platoon commanded by him was held up by machine-gun
fire from the front and flanks, Sergt. Lawrence took a rifle and bayonet
and, accompanied by another soldier, crawled under the enemy wire in the
face of severe fire, drove off the crews of several enemy machine guns and
returned with two prisoners, thereby enabling his platoon to rush on.
Subsequently, under heavy machine-gun and sniper fire, he went along the
line of his gun emplacements cheering and encouraging his men, his fearlessness
affording an Inspiration to them throughout the engagement. Residence at
enlistment: 1319 Main Street, Peckville, Pa.
William T. Lesh (Army serial No. 1915792), sergeant, Battery A, 321st
Field Artillery, 82d Division. For extraordinary heroism in action near
Sommerance, France, October 14, 1918. Wounded by shell fire, he refused to
be evacuated, but after receiving first aid continued to command his section,
which was under heavy fire, encouraging his men by his own bravery. Residence
at enlistment: -432 Cherry Street, Scranton, Pa.
John McGinty, first sergeant, Company B, 344th Battalion, Tank Corps.
For extraordinary heroism in action at Várennes, France, September
26, 1918. Gathering several scattered infantrymen, Sergt. McGinty led them
into the town of Varennes ahead of the tanks and captured a number of prisoners.
He then withdrew to the outskirts of the town to direct the advance of several
tanks which had arrived. Returning to the attack on foot he continued forward
until a wound compelled him to retire. Residence at enlistment: 1237 Belmont
Street, Carbondale, Pa.
Maurice J. McGuire, captain, 109th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism
in action near St. Agnan, France, July 16, 1918. Although painfully wounded
shortly after his platoon began an attack, Capt. McGuire (then lieutenant)
refused to be evacuated until his command was ordered to withdraw. He then
saw that their position was firmly held before going to the rear for treatment.
His personal heroism was an inspiration to his men. Residence at appointment:
214 River Street, Scranton, Pa.
Maurice Mannion (Army serial No. 1236408), sergeant, Company F, 109th
Infantry, 28th Division. For extraordinary heroism in action at Apremont,
France, September 20, 1918. During a hostile attack Sergt. Mannion displayed
exceptional courage and initiative in leading a patrol to the left flank
of his platoon and driving off a superior number of the enemy who were attempting
to encircle the flank, killing 10 of them, capturing 8, and putting the remainder
to flight. Residence at enlistment: 48 McCabe Avenue, Carbondale, Pa.
Louis S. Smith, sergeant, Company I, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 27, 1918. He advanced
alone and silenced a machine-gun nest which was holding up the advance of
his section. Residence at enlistment: Dalton, Pa.
Robert M. Vail, major, 108th Machine Gun Battalion. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Villette, France, September 5, 1918. During the crossing
of the Vesle River, Maj. Vail expedited the construction of bridges by his
advice and assistance. He personally cut a passageway through enemy barbed
wire along the river, and then led his troops through this opening. When
the officers of a supporting Infantry company had been killed, and the men
were falling back in confusion, Maj. Vail kept his forces intact 1,200 yards
in front of any infantry support, holding the position until reinforced by
an infantry unit. Residence at appointment: 1205 Marion Street, Scranton,
Pa.
William J. Walsh, corporal, Company H, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 27, 1918. While leading
a scouting patrol 300 meters in advance of his company he was fired upon
from enemy machine-gun points. Several of his patrol were wounded, but after
carrying one man to shelter and assisting the others he continued under heavy
fire, locating six machine-gun nests und shooting the entire crew of one
of them. Residence at enlistment: 409 Kane Street, Minooka, P?.
Frank R. Wheelock, captain, Medical Corps, attached to 313th Infantry.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Malancourt, France. September 26-30,
1918. Working in areas that were continually being swept by machine-gun,
rifle, and shell tire, Capt. Wheelock worked voluntarily and unceasingly,
giving aid, food, and water to the wounded. Throughout the entire operations
he showed utter disregard for his own safety, being knocked down many times
by shell explosions. For two nights he worked as a stretcher bearer, carrying
patients to places of safety, after giving them medical attention during
the day. Residence at appointment: 834 North Main Avenue. Scranton. P?.
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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