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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander (MC) William Howard Michael, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Surgeon serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the morning of 6 June 1918, in displaying unusual courage under heavy shell fire, when he established a dressing station in the open, exposed to both shell and machine-gun fire. Under these conditions Lieutenant Commander Michael worked for several hours evacuating a large number of men from the Sixth Regiment, then attacking in the Bois de Belleau. These services were performed regardless of personal consequences.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander (MC)

    Regiment:

    6th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 147 (1918)

    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 Lieutenant Commander (MC) William Howard Michael, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action as Surgeon serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near the Bois de Belleau, France, 6 June 1918. Lieutenant Commander Michael displayed unusual courage on the morning of June 6 when he established a dressing station in the open, exposed to both shell and machine-gun fire, in order to be near the wounded. Under these conditions he worked for several hours.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander (MC)

    Regiment:

    6th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1918
    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 40 (1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant Commander (MC) William Howard Michael, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Lieutenant Commander Michael distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on the morning of 6 June 1918. Lieutenant Commander Michael displayed unusual courage under heavy shell fire when he established a dressing station in the open exposed to both shell and machine-gun fire. Under these conditions he worked for several hours, evacuating a large number of wounded men from the Fifth Regiment, then attacking in the vicinity. Major Edward B. Cole, Commanding the Sixth Machine-Gun Battalion, subsequently mortally wounded, reported these facts to the Regimental Surgeon and reported that he would repor the conspicuous conduct of Surgeon Michael. Throughout the operations this officer rendered valuable service regardless of personal danger.