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The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Robert R. Van Duesen (MCSN: 96539), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 17th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, 4 October 1918. With his platoon in a very dangerous position, Sergeant Van Duesen volunteered to carry a message from his platoon commander across a machine-gun swept field. Having successfully accomplished his mission, he returned and, while directing his men to shelter, he was severely wounded by a machine-gun bullet.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 2 – 9, 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), Sergeant Robert R. Van Duesen (MCSN: 96539), United States Marine Corps, is cited (Posthumously) 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. Sergeant Van Duesen distinguished himself while serving with the 17th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at St. Etienne, France, 2 to 10 October 1918.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 37 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Robert R. Van Duesen (MCSN: 96539), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Seventeenth Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near St. Etienne, France, 4 October 1918. With his platoon in a very dangerous position, Sergeant Van Duesen volunteered to carry a message from his platoon commander across a machine-gun swept field. Having successfully accomplished his mission, he returned and, while directing his men to shelter, he was severely wounded by a machine-gun bullet.