 He was promoted to major on 15 August 1917 and lieutenant colonel on 1 October 1918.While visiting some friends at the 89th Division, he volunteered his services to its chief of staff, Colonel John C. H. Lee, who accepted him as a temporary replacement for his Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, in charge of operations, who had been captured a few days before.For leading a three-man patrol to inspect damage to a bridge some in front of American lines, Somervell was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.