The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the United States Army’s second highest military decoration for soldiers who display extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree that they are above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations, but which do not meet the criteria for the Medal of Honor. The Army Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Naval Services’ Navy Cross, the Air and Space Forces’ Air Force Cross, and the Coast Guard Cross. Prior to the creation of the Air Force Cross in 1960, airmen were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Notes:
KIA-Killed In Action I MIA – Missing In Action I DOW-Died Of Wounds DOI-Died Of Injuries | NBC-Non-Battle Casualty I KLD-Killed In Line Of Duty I UNK- Unit/Rank/First name not Determined
The information contained in these rosters has been obtained from various official and unofficial sources. Every effort has been made to provide accurate information. Rank noted may not be rank at time of award. Corrections are made as additional information is received. The Association welcomes any additional information regarding these rosters via email.
First Lieutenant Daniel A. Dugan, JR.
(Former Essex Trooper)
317th Infantry, 80th Division
(KIA: 04 November 1918)
CITATION
Synopsis:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Daniel Dugan, Jr., First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Nantillios, France, October 4, 1918. Lieutenant Dugan, after several attempts to gain a foothold in the Bois-des-Ogons had failed, courageously led a platoon across a ravine covered by enemy fire and gained a foothold in the woods. This attack was made in the face of heavy machine-gun fire from the front and flank, The personal leadership and courage displayed by Lieutenant Dugan were vital factors in the success of the attack.
General Orders No. 19, W.D., 1920
Private First Class Clifford L. Curry
38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz)
Troop B
CITATION
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Clifford L. Curry, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, in action against enemy forces on 26 July 1944. Private First Class Curry’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 205 (1945)
First Lieutenant James Willie Farmer
38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz)
Troop C
CITATION
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James Willie Farmer, First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Executive Officer, Troop C, 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), in action against enemy forces on 7 and 8 March 1945, in the vicinity of Altenahr, Germany. First Lieutenant Farmer’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 122 (1945)
Home Town: Austin, Texas
Private First Class Gene P. Burks
38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz)
Troop C
CITATION
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gene P. Burks, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, in action against enemy forces on 7 March 1945. Private First Class Burks’ intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 63 (1945)
Captain Jerry H. Lewis
38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz)
Company F
(KIA: 07 March 1945)
CITATION
FOR THE AWARD OF THE
POSTHUMOUS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jerry H. Lewis (0-452629), Captain (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, in action against enemy forces on 7 March 1945. Captain Lewis’ intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 58 (1945)
Home Town: Borden County, Texas
Staff Sergeant Edward V. Maloney
38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz)
Company F
(KIA: 26 July 1944)
CITATION
FOR THE AWARD OF THE
POSTHUMOUS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Edward V. Maloney (33140864), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, in action against enemy forces on 26 July 1944. Staff Sergeant Maloney’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 64 (1945)
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Captain (MC) William T. Haley
102nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz)
Medical Detachment
CITATION
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES ARMY APO 230
GENERAL ORDERS No 87: 27 November 1944
EXTRACT
III – AWARD OF DISTINGUISHED-SERVICE CROSS—Under the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended, and pursuant to authority contained in paragraph 3c, Section I, Circular 32, Headquarters European Theater of Operations, United States Army, 20 March 1944, as amended, the Distinguished-Service Cross is awarded to the following officers and enlisted men:
Captain William T. Haley, 0465570, Medical Detachment, 102nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) United States Army for extraordinary heroism in action on 25 August 1944, in France. When numerous casualties were inflicted upon two platoons of a reconnaissance unit ambushed by a large force of enemy infantry, Captain Haley, without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, drove his vehicle to within 100 yards of the enemy’s position. Amid bursting shells and heavy machine gun and rifle fire, he administered medical treatment to the wounded and dying men. To avoid further jeopardy to their lives, he walked brazenly toward enemy lines and sued for a temporary truce so that he might evacuate the wounded. Upon learning that four American casualties were held as prisoners, Captain Haley, persuaded the enemy to turn them over to him for medical treatment and evacuation. Captain Haley, worked unceasingly for a five-hour period; completely exposed to both friendly and enemy fire, in treating, splinting, and evacuating wounded soldiers. The personal bravery, unflinching devotion to duty and prowess displayed by Captain Haley, exemplifies the highest traditions of the Armed Forces. Entered the military service from Massachusetts.
Staff Sergeant William J. Glynn
102nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz)
Troop C
CITATION
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William J. Glynn, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Troop C, 102d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, in action against enemy forces on 28 March 1945, in the vicinity of Vallander, Germany. While spearheading an advance Staff Sergeant Glynn’s motorized platoon encountered two enemy 88-mm. guns. As he came abreast of the first gun, he leaped down and ran towards the position in the face of withering fire. Hurling two grenades with deadly accuracy, he killed three and captured the remaining crew. He then directed his 37-mm. and machine gun fire against the other position, destroying the gun and killing the entire crew. Staff Sergeant Glynn’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 252 (1945)
First Lieutenant Padraig O’Dea
117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz)
Troop B
CITATION
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Padraig M. O’Dea, First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with a Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, in action against enemy forces on 3 September 1944. First Lieutenant O’Dea’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 115 (1944)
Home Town: Bloomfield, New Jersey
[Newspaper article, unknown paper]
Crouching in his observation post in a shell pocked building, Lt. Padraig O’Dea looked out over Montrevel and shook his head dubiously. Things were not going so well. Americans held the little French town, but in the distance he could glimpse a big force of German armor and infantry closing in. He relayed his information, and the Americans started to withdraw, rapidly but orderly.
Suddenly, the escape road exploded in a blaze of enemy fire. O’Dea sighted quickly on the German batteries and ripped out their location points in a crisp, efficient voice. American machine guns chattered fiercely and the shelling stopped abruptly. The lieutenant took a deep breath, Score one, he thought.
Again the shelling started, this time on the town. In the face of intense fire, O’Dea ran from his building, summoned a mortar crew and rushed back to his upper floor observation post. The enemy was much closer, trying to infiltrate tanks and infantry. O’Dea’s mortar crew opened up and the enemy withdrew, but now his position was spotted.
Enemy tanks and artillery zeroed in and systematically started to destroy his building. He held fast, skillfully returning fire with his mortar, delaying the attackers until the American troops could withdraw. He ignored his own chance to withdraw safely. The building was rocking and shaking around him. The shells were coming nearer. One made a direct hit.
For his heroic actions and complete disregard for personal safety on Sept. 3, 1944, Padraig O’Dea, 01030181, 1st Lt., Troop B, Cav Recon Sqd. (Mecz.), of Garwood, N.J. has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Lt. O’Dea is missing in action. [determined to have been captured]
Second Lieutenant Raymond C. Brandt
117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz)
Troop B
CITATION
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Raymond C. Brandt, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with a Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, in action against enemy forces on 3 September 1944. Second Lieutenant Brandt’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 126 (1944)
Corporal James L. Hobby
117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz)
Troop C
(KIA: 15 August 1944)
CITATION
Synopsis:
James L. Hobby, 20 453 723, Corporal, Cavalry, Troop C, 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), for extraordinary heroism in action on 15 August 1944, near St. Maxime, France. During a reconnaissance mission, Corporal Hobby’s squad ran into a strongly defended and well concealed road block of five enemy pill boxes, only one of which was clearly visible. When his squad was fired upon from these enemy held positions, they left their vehicles and took cover in a ditch. An armored car from the main body of the patrol soon arrived and, unaware of the existence of the other pill boxes, concentrated its fire on the one which was visible. In order to allow the remainder of his squad to escape, Corporal Hobby jumped from his covered position, manned the machine gun on his vehicle, and opened fire on the nearest pill box, At the same time, he picked up the radio handset and informed the armored car commander of the position of the four concealed pill boxes. Calling for supporting fire from the armored car, he alternately fired his machine gun and adjusted the fire of the armored car by radio. Corporal Hobby continued to fire on the enemy position until he was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy fire. Next of Kin: Mrs. Carrie Hobby (Mother), 1009 Angier Avenue, Durham, North Carolina.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH ARMY
Staff Sergeant Bennet N. Lawson
117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz)
Company F
(KIA: 03 September 1944)
CITATION
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Bennet N. Lawson (20244517), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, in action against enemy forces on 3 September 1944. Staff Sergeant Lawson’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 107 (1944)
Home Town: Essex County, New Jersey
[Newspaper article, unknown paper]
A DCS was awarded posthumously to S-Sgt Bennet N. Lawson, of Newark, N.J., of a cavalry recon squadron, for extraordinary heroism on Sept. 3 in Montrevel. France. Halting his tank column and climbing on top of a turret, Sgt. Lawson neutralized enemy infantrymen in a side street. Disregarding a wound, he continued to direct his platoon until he was forced to withdraw his tanks against intense enemy tank, machine gun and rifle fire.
His own tank stalled in front of an enemy force of four Mark V tanks and numerous machine guns. Ordering his crew to abandon the tank, Sgt. Lawson held his post in the face of certain death to cover their withdrawal and divert the enemy’s fire. He was fatally wounded by an enemy shell.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH ARMY