Willard Dillenbeck served in the United States Army during World War I. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the Battle of Soissons. His award citation reads: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Willard Dillenbeck (ASN: 284808), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F., near Soissons, France, July 21, 1918. Private Dillenbeck repeatedly carried messages from his company to platoon commanders, in daylight across open ground in full view of the enemy and under heavy bombardment.