Born: February 28, 1893 Private, United States Army
COMPANY L, 361ST INFANTRY REGIMENT, 181ST INFANTRY BRIGADE, 91ST DIVISION, AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
Home or Place of Enlistment: Idaho Killed in Action: October 10, 1918 Dois Communal-de-Cierges, France
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS CITATION
Awarded for Actions During World War I Service: Army; Rank: Private First Class Division: 91st Division, American Expeditionary Forces GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 9 (1923)
CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class John V. Folsom (ASN: 2258313), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company L, 361st Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, A.E.F., in Bois-Cummunal-de-Cierges, east of Exmorieux Ferme, France, 28 September 1918. His company, checked by a heavy barrage of machine gun and artillery fire, with gas shells interspersed, Private Folsom volunteered to carry an important message from his company commander to the commander of an artillery unit. With great gallantry he accomplished his mission in the face of intense enemy fire. He was killed in action on 10 October 1918, fighting for Hill 255. His high courage and splendid soldierly qualities were important factors in the operations of his company, and inspired his comrades to great endeavors.