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Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Vernon P. Becker (MCSN: 102967), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, Second Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action at Soissons, France, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)(Attached)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 18, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 116 (1918)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Fred H. Becker, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Army Infantry, Fifth Regiment (Marines) (Attached), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Vierzy, France, 18 July 1918. Lieutenant Becker went forward in advance of his platoon and destroyed a machine-gun nest, thereby preventing the death or injury of many men of his command. His self-sacrificing courage permitted his platoon to advance, but, as he completed the performance of this noble work, he himself was killed.