6th Regiment (Marines)(Attached), 2d Division, A.E.F. Date of Action: June 6 - 8, July 19 & October 5 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Balch, Pharmacist's Mate, U.S. Navy, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, June 6 - 8, 1918, near Vierzy, France, July 19, 1918; and near St. Etienne-aux-Arnes, France, October 5, 1918. During the attack in the Bois-de-Belleau, Pharmacist's Mate Balch displayed conspicuous coolness under shell fire in evacuating wounded men. During the action near Vierzy, he worked unceasingly for sixteen hours, giving assistance to the wounded on a field torn by high explosive shells and covered by direct machine-gun fire. Near St. Etienne-aux-Arnes, he again gave proof of excellent judgment and courage in establishing an advance dressing station under violent shell and machine-gun fire, thereby saving many lives which would otherwise have been lost. General Orders 70, W.D., 1919 Home Town: Kansas City, MO |