Herbert (Heber) Ward
b. April 1897
d. December 12, 1968
s/o Jeff and Lucina Preston Ward
h/o Malta Sublett Ward
f/o Heber Franklin Ward
Douglas Earl Ward
Doris Ward
Maxine Ward
Heber Ward a prominent citizen in Johnson County, was also a decorated war veteran of World War I
Heber was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart for his combat actions. He was also awarded a citation from the government of France and a commendation that was signed by President Woodrow Wilson. He was wounded twice in Europe and received the commendation for "extraordinary heroism."
Enlisted in the United States Army from Columbus, Ohio on May 12, 1916, sailed for France June 12, 1917, and came home on June 16, 1919. Mr. Ward served with Company C., the 28th Infantry. The rank of Corporal was made on 25 August 1917 and that of Sergeant on 3 April 1919. His duty areas included the Mexican border before he went to Europe, the Luneville Sector, Toul Sector, Cantigny, Saizeras, Montdidier-Noyon, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, and Meuse Argonne.
It was in Soissons that Mr. Ward was first injured. A bullet pierced the skull just above the right eye and was lodged so close to the brain that surgery was not advised. The bullet was never removed. In Argonne he received his second injury when a bullet entered his right hip and exited the left hip. He was given the Purple Heart for both injuries.
Among his achievements in his life we can add that he was the Commander of the American Legion Post No. 117, a former Paintsville Police Chief and was retired from the C & O Railroad. Heber Ward is interned in the Sublett Cemetery.
SERGEANT HERBERT WARD
Paintsville, Kentucky
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
Citation
Herbert Ward (Armed Serial Number 57104) , Sergeant, Company C, Twenty-eighth Infantry, 1st Division. For extraordinary heroism, in action near Berzy le Sec, France, July 16, 1918. After his platoon leader had been wounded, Sgt. Ward reorganized the platoon under heavy fire, and led it to its objective. He then led forward a patrol to locate the enemy positions, during which reconnaissance he was wounded by a machine gun bullet; the ball lodged above the right eye. After receiving first aid he returned to his unit for duty. During a subsequent attack in the Argonne he was again wounded.
General Orders No. 39
War Department, Washington
June 25, 1920 page 5
