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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Corporal Hugh Clifford Van Amburgh (MCSN: 85075), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Headquarters Company, Fourth Brigade (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Vierzy, France, 19 July 1918. As a motorcycle dispatch rider, Corporal Van Amburgh made repeated trips along shell-swept roads and in a gassed area, before and during the capture of Vierzy. When Vierzy was still in German hands, he dismounted from his motorcycle in front of the town, and with great coolness and disregard of personal safety, crawled into it and brought back information of great value to his brigade commander.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    4th Brigade (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 19, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Hugh Clifford Van Amburgh (MCSN: 85075), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Vierzy, France, 19 July 1918. As a motorcycle dispatch rider, Corporal Van Amburgh made repeated trips along shell-swept roads and in a gassed area, before and during the capture of Vierzy. When Vierzy was still in German hands, he dismounted from his motorcycle in front of the town, and with great coolness and disregard of personal safety, crawled into it and brought back information of great value to his brigade commander.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    4th Brigade (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 18 – 22, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Corporal Hugh Clifford Van Amburgh (MCSN: 85075), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Corporal Van Amburgh distinguished himself while serving with Headquarters Company, Fourth Brigade (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Soissons, France, 18 to 22 July 1918. (SECOND Citation)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    4th Brigade (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – July 10, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Corporal Hugh Clifford Van Amburgh (MCSN: 85075), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Corporal Van Amburgh distinguished himself while serving with Headquarters Company, Fourth Brigade (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June – 10 July 1918. (FIRST Citation)