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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 Corporal Ford J. Hendershot (ASN: 542626), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fossoy, France, 15 July 1918. After all his men had been wounded by the intense artillery shelling of the enemy, during the offensive of 15 July Corporal Hendershot went to their aid, applying first aid and guiding litter bearers to the dressing station. He went put again and brought a wounded comrade in on his back under constant heavy fire.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 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), Corporal Ford J. Hendershot (ASN: 542626), United States Army, is 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 him. While serving with Company K, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the night of 15 July 1918, during an intense artillery bombardment by the enemy, Corporal Hendershot was on ration guard near Fossoy, France, when all his men were wounded by shell fire. He applied first aid to all, returned to his Company Post of Command, guiding back litter bearers and taking his men to the dressing station at Regimental Headquarters. He went out again and brought in another wounded man on his back, in all covering about 2 1/2 miles of road under constant heavy fire and at the greatest risk to his life. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]