Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BILLIS, Gustav
BILLIS, Gustav. (Unknown--Dubuque, IA, Jan. 4, 1952). War hero. During WORLD WAR I, Billis, a member of the 113th infantry regiment, earned the nickname "the machine gun hound" because he captured twenty-seven machine gun nests single-handedly. He was also credited with saving the life of his commanding officer when three German snipers had him under fire on October 12, 1918 near Bois D'Ormont, France.
In addition to heroism, Billis was known to carry 30-40 four pound loaves of bread slung on a wire to the other troops from ration supplies far behind the lines.
He received the Distinguished Service Cross from General John J. Pershing and the French Croix de Guerre with Gilt Star from Marshal Petain, commander-in-chief of the Frenc forces.
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Source:
1. Rose, John. "Dubuque Fighting Men Forged Brave War Record," May 26, 1963, p. 5. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Fm1FAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YbwMAAAAIBAJ&pg=7312,3131724&dq=world+war1+dubuque&hl=en