Captain Walter Williamson Manton, Medical Corps, U.S. Army attached to 6th Infantry distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States at Soissons, France on 18 July 1918 and in recognition of his gallant conduct I have awarded him in the name of the President the Distinguished Service Cross.

The award was signed by John J. Pershing, Commander in Chief.

The French Croix De Guerre for the same event gives a more detailed account: Captain (Doctor) Walter Manton distinguished himself by exceptional bravery and fortitude. On 18 July 1918, Capt (Dr) Walter Manton accompanied the third wave in a major assault at Soisson. On obtaining the German trench line, Capt (Dr) Manton established a medical clearing station in the line. His bunker was hit by severe German artillery fire collapsing the clearing station. Capt (Dr). Manton sustained a double compound fracture of his upper right arm and other injuries but refused evacuation. Capt (Dr) Manton re-established the clearing station, brought in additional wounded and treated them throughout the offensive. Throughout this period, Capt (Dr) Manton was under severe fire and continuously refused to be evacuated until the objectives were taken. This action depicts the greatest credit upon him.

Keith Nightingale, Manton’s nephew, requested his membership in the Legion of Valor. He submitted the following information: My uncle was commissioned in June 1917 and arrived in France the following August. Until March 1918, he operated behind the lines with the John Hopkins unit and French Surgeons. After requesting reassignment, he served with the front line troops at Toul and Picardy including Cantigny. After recovering from his wounds, he continued to operate until March 1919 when he returned to the United States. He established a practice in Detroit and then moved to Pasadena, CA and become President of the Pasadena Hospital. He died in 1953 and is buried in San Gabriel, CA.