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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 Private Ferdinand A. Dantuono (ASN: 554825), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 9th Machine-Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Chateau-Thierry, France, July 1 – 15, 1918. Private Dantuono exposed himself to intense artillery fire to carry numerous messages. Liaison was maintained at critical times through the individual efforts of this soldier.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    9th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 14 – 15, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Ferdinand A. Dantuono (ASN: 554825), Private First Class Frank Kuchinski, Private First Class Benjamin H. Obsatz (ASN: 554857), and Private First Class Bruce W. Reininger (ASN: 554858), United States Army, are cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded them. While serving with Company B, 9th Machine Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, throughout the entire night bombardment of 14 – 15 July 1918, and during the following days at Crezancy, France, these men showed the greatest courage and devotion to duty by continually carrying messages and maintaining liaison throughout their sector, although continuously under heavy artillery fire and under direct observation of the enemy. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]