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Marks Willoughby Ryan

Name:
Willoughby Ryan Marks
Rank:
First Lieutenant
Serial Number:
Unit:
61st Infantry Regiment, 5th Division
Date of Death:
1918-10-14
State:
Florida
Cemetery:
Meuse Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne sous
Plot:
B
Row:
44
Grave:
2
Decoration:
Distinguished Service Cross
Comments:

Commander of C Company, 61st Infantry Regiment, 5th Division when he was killed by a shell and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross with the following citation: While in command of Company C, 61st Infantry, he was severely wounded but continued to lead his company, refusing to be evacuated until the objective was reached and his lines reorganized. About to be evacuated, he learned that an officer of his battalion was mortally wounded and lying exposed to terrific enemy fire in front of the lines. With utter disregard for his own safety he rushed forward to rescue his fellow officer, and in the attempt was struck by enemy high-explosive shellfire and mortally wounded, dying a few minutes later. His undaunted courage and devotion to duty served as a splendid example of soldierly conduct to the men of his command.