Pvt. Lovelace, Sergts. Powell and Harris Cited for Distinguished Service, 1919

From the Wilson Times, Feb. 25, 1919

Cited for Distinguished Service

Pvt. David H. Lovelace, Machine Gun Company, 120^th Infantry (A.S. No. 1319176). For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 29, 1918. His left arm having been rendered useless by a shrapnel wound, Pvt. Lovelace continued to carry ammunition with his other arm until the objective was reached, when, against his protests, he was ordered to the rear for medical treatment. Home address, Mrs. Fannie Lovelace, mother, Jonesville, N.C.

Sgt. William H. Powell, Machine Gun Company, 120^th Infantry (A.S. No. 1329097). For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 29, 1918. Sgt. Powell, then a private, took charge of four other soldiers who had become separated from their platoon and let them forward toward the objective. Attacking a machine-gun nest, they captured seven prisoners and a Maxim gun, which they immediately put into action and fired 2,000 rounds at the enemy. They then continued to advance under heavy artillery and machine gun fire. Home address, J.B. Powell, father, Oxford, N.C.

Sergt. Graham W. Harris, Machine Gun Company, 120^th Infantry (A.S. 1319104). For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 29, 1918. Becoming separated from his platoon in the dense smoke and fog with five other soldiers, Sergt. Harris kept his men together and continued to advance under heavy artillery and machine gun fire. Upon reaching the objective, he made a personal reconnaissance 600 yards to the front, capturing several prisoners and assisting in breaking up three machine-gun nests. He remained in this advanced position until he was ordered back. Home address, Mrs. R.W. Harris, mother, Oxford, N.C.