The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1918-04-09
NEW DECORATIONS FOR
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
War Department Provides I'D. 8.
c." and I'D. =. NJ" For yalor-
ous Conduct i'm War.

Washington. April S.-Pressure OF
public sentiment is believed to have
had much to do with the decision of
the war department. to supplement
the congressional medal OF honor
with two new decorations for those
distinguishing themselves in the
war.
The new decorations have been de-
Signated The Distinguished Service
Cross" and The Distinguished Ser
vice Medal Already these titles
have become abbreviated to "D. S.
c." and I'D. 5. NJ" In the official
order of the war department an
nouncins their creation. they are de
SCribed as follows:
distinguished Service Gross" \
bronze cross of appropriate design
and ribbon TO he worn in lieu there
Of. to be awarded by the President.
or in the name of the President, BY
the commanding general OF the
American expeditionary forces in
Europe. to any person. who, while
serving in any capacity in the army
shall hereafter distinguish himself
or herself. or who, since April 6.
1917, has distinguished himself, or
herself. by extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations
against an armed enemy OF the
United States under circumstances
which do not justify the award OF
the medal of honor.
''Distinguished service medal.-A
bronze medal OF appropriate design.
and ribbon to be worn in lieu
thereof, to be awarded to any person
who has distinguished meritorious
service to the government in a duty
OF great responsibility in time of war.
or in connection with military opera
tions against an armed enemy Of the
United States
The same order provides for the
Issuance of wound ribbon to off
GERS and men who are injured in ac-
ten, and for war service chevrons"
for each six months OF service during
the present war.
The phrase under circumstances
which do not justify the award of the
medal of honor refers to the restric-
tton included in the regulations gov
erning the award OF the military SER
vice and-it is generally conceded
the most difficult to obtain Of all in
sigma regardless Of what country is
the sponsor. This restriction makes
it necessary for the deed OF heroism
to be outside the line of duty"
Troops which defend position
against seemingly impossible odds.
the officer who, at risk of his life.
saves his guns from capture, the
naval officer who, under orders.
braves a mineinfested channel. are
not eligible for the medal OF honor.
ssince the acts enumerated would all
be considered as within their duty.
The I'D. S. c." and d. S. NJ" how
ever. will enable the government to
fittingly recognize these men with
out lowering the high standard which
has been set for the highest decora-
tion.
Two general officers OF the Ameri-
can army, now on duty in France,
hold the medal OF honor. Maj. Gen.
Leonard Wood won the coveted de.
cOration, while he was in the medi-
ca, corps OF the army. in 1856. Dur
lag the campaign against the
Apaches, General Wood, (then u
surgeon). according to the official
record voluntarily carried dis
patches through "a region infested
with hostile Indians. making a Jour
neg OF rs miles in one night and
making 30 miles the next day Also.
for several weeks. while in close pur-
suit ofGeronimo's band. and con
stantly expecting an encounter. he
commanded a detachment OF infan-
tIy which was then without an Of
ficer. and to which command ne was