Georgia Heroes of The World War
By Sergeant L.E. Jaeckel.
Rufus R. Phillips (Serial No. 1311239), private, Co. F., 118th Infantry, 30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, awarded the distinguished service cross for extraordinary heroism in action with the enemy near Brancourt, France, October 9, 1918.
When his company was about to reach its objective, a sunken road, the company was swept by enfiladating fire from several enemy machine gun nests. Upon his own initiative, this soldier jumped down the bank, mounted his automatic rifle in the center of the road, and in the face of the vicious enemy fire, himself opened fire upon them, sweeping the parapets of the hostile position with deadly accuracy, inflicting severe losses upon the enemy. His fearless and heroic act resulted in the capture of 30 Germans who comprised part of the gun crews occupying the post.
Residence at enlistment, Columbus, Georgia.
Source: The Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Wednesday, April 20, 1932
