Distinguished Service Cross, “7847” (Knauff, 107th FA)

Distinguished Service Cross, numbered “7847″, unnamed. In its original maroon leatherette case of issue (scuffed). The ribbon has worn through at the brooch, but the brooch is still present.

This medal was awarded to Private Ralph E. Knauff, Battery D, 107th Field Artillery, 28th Division, for “extraordinary heroism in action near Monsaint Martin, France, August 19, 1918. Seeing another soldier fall seriously wounded, Private Knauff ran to his assistance and, under heavy shell fire, carried him to safety.”

Knauff enlisted at Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on 19 June 1916. He was slightly wounded (gassed) on 1 September 1918. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with gilt star through French orders dated 28 May 1919. Knauff was discharged in May 1919. Born in February 1895, he died in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on 30 July 1964 and is buried there.