Clinton-Statewide County MI Archives News.....DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS September 27, 1918
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Marilyn Johnson McDowell texas26@gmail.com May 24, 2009, 3:55 pm

Grand Rapids Press September 27, 1918
These Michigan Men Win U.S. Army Decoration in Battles in France.

Washington, Sept 27- Among the 18 middle west men who have been awarded the
American distinguished service cross are: 

PRIVATE JOHN ZELDAM, infantry, Grand Rapids, Mich. for "Extraordinary heroism in
action north of Clerges, France, Aug. 1, 1918. Following an assault in which he
was wounded in the leg by a machine gun bullet and when further advance was
impossible because a barrage he took refuge in a shell hole. From the shelter he
observed a comrade who was seriously wounded and needed assistance. Despite
heavy artillery he crawled twenty yards though the open, reached the helpless
man and took him back to the shell hole. After the two had lain in the hole
nearly the entire day, Private Zeldam, leaving his canteen with his comrade,
crawled across the danger zone and obtained assistance to carry to the wounded
man to a dressing situation". 

PRIVATE PONTIAC WILLIAMS, JR. infantry, Hart, Mich. "For extraordinary heroism
in action at Hill 212 northwest of Chateau Thierry, France, July 31, 1918.
Private Williams volunteered to go out in front of our lines and bring in a
wounded runner. Although he was shot in the face before he reached the runner,
yet he completed his mission".

PRIVATE STEPHEN V. SHIPMAN, infantry, Bangor, Mich. "For extraordinary heroism
in action in the woods north of Clerges, northeast of Chateau Thierry, France,
Aug 1, 1918. After his company had entered the woods north of Clerges, Privates
Shipman and another soldier maneuvered around a machine gun which was causing
many casualties and reached a shell hole after crossing an open space that was
swept by hostile fire. From there they killed the crew of the machine gun,
captured the gun and turned it on the enemy".

Sargent Raney H Kain, infantry, Kalamazoo, Mich. "For extraordinary heroism in
the woods north of Clerges, France, Aug. 1, 1918. In an attack on the woods
occupied by the enemy, north of Clerges, to clear out machine guns and snipers,
Sargent Kain was in charge of the platoon, seeing two machine gun nests and
seeing no officer being present to take command, he directed his platoon in such
a manner, as to silence the machine guns, killing 4 of the enemy. Sargent Kain
also silenced another machine gun located on a tree and personally brought down
the operator".

CORPORAL MATT STEVENS, Wacousta, Mich. "For extraordinary heroism throughout the
advance across the River Oreuq to Fisnes, France on the south bank of the Vesle
river, July 31 to Aug 8, 1918. Corporal Stevens, then private was a runner for
his company and was engaged day and night in carrying messages throughout
machine gun and artillery fire. He did his work without fear or hesitation,
thereby keeping constant contact with higher authority. During times not so
occupied, he administered aid to the injured stricken comrades at imminent risk
of his life through areas swept by machine gunfire. Through disregard of danger,
he was the means of saving many wounded soldiers".

MAJOR GARY M. WILSON, infantry, Flint, Mich. "For extraordinary heroism in
action while commanding the leading platoon in the successful advance from
Courmont in St Martin, France, from July 10 to Aug. 5, 1918, including the
ordered crossing of the Oureq River and several engagements and especially at
Lez (not legible), where he personally led the charge of his battalion". 
 

Additional Comments:
Remembering and honoring our military hero's on Memorial Day also remembered as
Decoration Day.


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