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Show oo WAR CRM French Decorate ' Amerjqans Who Withstood First German Raid Early in Month. IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY General Congratulates Men for Clearheaded Bravery Under Un-der Severe Circumstances. WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN 'FRANCE. Monday, Nov. 2C (By the Associated Press) An impressive ceremony marked tho presentation of the French war cross to the American soldiers who withstood the first German Ger-man raid early this month. Fifteen officers of-ficers and men cited with their company com-pany by the French general commanding command-ing the sector, were decorated today. It was late in the afternoon when tho regiment to which tho company which suffered tho casualties is attached, at-tached, marched to the top of a big grassy hill. There, under skies threatening threat-ening rain and with the cold, wintry wind blowing they formed three sides of a hollow square. At the base of the square tho regimental colors and the Stars ifnd Stripes fluttered in the wind. Tho regiment was called to attention as the general commanding came up and took his position In tho open side of the square. General Reads Citation The general first read the citation for the whole company, which was standing near tho colors, breaches in( the ranks showing where the men now prisoners in Germany or in hospitals had formerly stood. The general congratulated con-gratulated the company, saying: "Occasions arise frequently In war and will arise frequently again whero clearheaded coolness and courago are necessary. This company behaved on one occasion as it was expected to do and as every other company of American Ameri-can soldiers is expected to do under similar circumstances. The French general commanding tho sector considers consid-ers these men have earned war corss-es corss-es and I here deliver them and the citations. ci-tations. Must Not Wear Them "You must understand that you must not wear them, but must keep them in your possession until congress authorizes author-izes tho wearing of them." He then presented tho company's citation ci-tation to the Lieutenant commanding. Next tho threo lieutenants stepped from their positions, saluted and received re-ceived their individual crosses. Tho general congratulated each. Next the non-commissioned men and officers marched up, were congratulated on receiving re-ceiving the honor and then returned to thoir places In the ranks. CorporaISs Cross Sent to Hospital Tho company lieutenant was given tho cross and citation for a corporal who was unable to loave the hospital bocause of a severo wound. To tho regimental colonel the general entrusted entrust-ed tho decorations nwarded tho throe men killed in tho raid, asking him to soe that they were sent to the next of kin in the United States. No Decorations Permitted. WASHINGTON. Nov. 27. Decora-tions Decora-tions of any officers or men of the American navy by foreign governments govern-ments for war service will be opposed by Secretary Daniels. Ho del cared today to-day that if asked for an opinion he would advlBo a strict adherence to the provision of the constitution which prohibits it. |