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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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Stuart A. Baxter, United States Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Montdidier, France, 5 June 1918; near Soissons, France, 21 July; near Verdun, France, 4 October 1918. On 5 June Lieutenant Baxter led a patrol across a heavily-shelled area and established liaison with an adjoining battalion. On 21 July while his platoon was being held up by terrific machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Baxter crawled forward to dress the wounds of his men, and he so encouraged and rallied his men that further advance was made possible. On 4 October though suffering from wounds, he advanced with his company in the face of most destructive fire of machine guns and artillery, until further advance was impossible.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    148th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 18 – August 5, 1943
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 279 (October 9, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Stuart A. Baxter, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, during the period 18 July to 5 August 1943. During the critical operations in the campaign against the enemy Colonel Baxter remained with his forward elements. It was his standing practice to be with each company during its original entrance into combat, and to stay with it until it had exchanged fire with the enemy. The presence of the Regimental Commander during the initial and crucial phases of battle was a source of inspiration to the troops and was responsible for the high state of morale of the regiment. On numerous occasions, when the advance guards were halted by the enemy, Colonel Baxter went forward under fire and personally directed the resumption of the advance. By his personal courage, calmness under intense hostile fire and his exemplary actions throughout the operations, Colonel Baxter contributed indispensably to the success of the operations against the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.