Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-12-30
\. Z. Men Cited for
Distinguished Service
Castine Man in List

SdStlltS kh 1jASl
The commander in chief, IN tho
name Of the President, has awarded
the distinguished service cross TO the
following named officers and soldiers
for the acts of extraordinary hero
ism described after their names:
Private Alien I. Westcott, Troop c,
% Cavalry, "a. S. No. G79Sn7.) For
extraordinary aeroism in action neal
Cheyicres, France, Oct. u, 191S. Be
coming separated from his own or
Ganization, PVT. Westcott attached
himself to al infantry company.
While on q patrol he was wounded
three times. After the party had been
surrounded Ivy German machine guns,
he volunteered to carry a message 10
the company commander. Wading
across the -.Vrc River in 50 doing
After guiding platoon to the relief
of the patrol, he again made several
trips to and from the company post
of command crossing the river.
though waist deep, five times after
being wounded. re was sent to the
rear against his vigorous protests. anG
after beng tagged tor evacuation he
gave further proof OF his devotion to
duty and unsclfshness hy helping
carry another wounded soldier three
miles on a stretcher. Home address,
Paul ". Wcstcott. North Castine,
Me.
First Lieut.. Paul \. \. Rooney. Air
Service, United States Army. FOR re-
peated acts of extraordinary heroisni
in action near Anstrauville and Ger
knoxville, in France, July 80 and Sept.
g. 1918. On July 90, near .AnStauVille,
Lieut.. Rooney, with Lieut.. Fcrren-
bach, was conducting an important
observation. At an altitude of 500
meters he was several times attack
cd by enemy planes hut refused to
leave his post until his balloon was
set afire. and only then after he had
seen that his companion Lad safely
Jumped. While descending his para
chute was almost hit by the falling
balloon. He insisted upon returning TO
his post, and was il the air again as
soon as another balloon could be in
ftatcd. On Sept Is, while adjusting
artillery fire, his balloon was attack
cd by three enemy planes tTol>kc,
tEpe). At imminent peril 10 his life
he stuck TO his post until enc plano
tlivcd directly at him. Lieut.. Rooney
would not leave the l,askc: until his
companion. Lieut.. Montgomery, had
inmped 70 safety. Home address, Mrs.
W. J Rooney. mother. !. Paris street,
East Boston. Mass
Second Lieut. Alphonsus l.. Nc
Cormack, with 18Th Infantry. For
extra ordinaTy hcroisn in action
a, Molevinc Farm, France, October
IS, 1913. Lieut.. Mccormack con
tinued in the alvarez after being
wounded by mac chine gun fire, taking
command of his company and lead
ing it until weakness from his wound
necessitatod his evacuation. His
gallant-y inspired his men to sue
cessful combat. Home address,
Charles J. Mccormack, 20 Clarkson
Street. Boston. Mass.
First. Lieut.. Perry H Aldr!ch,
deceased. Air Service. observer. I35th
Aero Squadron. For extraordinary
heroism in action near St. Mihiel,
Franco. October 20. 1918. Lieut..
Aldrich. observer, with First Lieut..
f. G. Landen. volunteered and went
on an important mission for the
CORPS comma nder without the usual
protection. Forced 10 f1y at an alti-
tude OF 900 metres because of poor
visibility. soon after crossing the
lines they encountered an enemy
rumplor piauc and forced it to the
ground. On returning they attacked
another rumplsi and drove it off.
After completing their mission and
seeing an enemy observation tower
or Lake Lachausee. they reentered
enemy territory and fired upon it.
Immediately attacked by seven en-
envy planes tFokk"r type. A COM
bat followed, in which Lieut. Aldrich
was mortalIy wounded Next Of kin
Rev. Leonard .Aldr!ch. father. Essex
Junction Vt.
First Lieut.. Herbert w. Hall,
eth Artillery. Cosat Artillery Corps
For extraordinary heroism in action
near Thiacourt, France, September
-, 1918. Lieut.. Hall was in charge
Of a trainload Of ammunition being
sent TO two S-inch howitzer batteries
in active operation against the en-
cn1-. Finding that part Of the light
railway track had been DESTROYED by
enemy shell fire, he secured q detail
Of men under an engineer officer and
worked with them to repair the>track.
When the Engineer officer was killed
by an exploding she'll. Lieut.. Hall as
suned fun charge and continued the
work under heavy shell fire. showing
utter disregard for personal danger
and inspiring conftie nee in men by
his calmness. decision and courage
Home address, Mrs. II. L. Hall. Win
Sted, Cona