Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    107th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    27th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 18, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 12, 1929

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Henry D. Ross (ASN: 1210109), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 107th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near St. Souplet, France, 18 October 1918. After the advance of his company had been stopped by strong hostile machine-gun fire, Private Ross, with four companions, advanced far ahead of the front line to attack an enemy position located in a large farmhouse. By the accurate fire of his rifle and effective use of hand grenades, he succeeded in putting an enemy machine gun out of action and causing its crew to withdraw. This made it possible for him and his companions to skillfully maneuver in the broad daylight to cover all entrances to the house and force the surrender of the entire force of the enemy, numbering 36 men and 2 officers. During the exploit they killed two Germans who attempted to take cover in the cellar.