Sponsored by:

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 John J. O’Brien (ASN: 72206), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company E, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Trugny, France, 22 July 1918. Private O’Brien was one of a party of eight soldiers led by Lieutenant Charles E. Nelson in an attack upon a machine-gun emplacement, the fire of which was inflicting severe losses on his company. In the advance two of the detachment were killed and two wounded but Private O’Brien with the remaining members of the party, with unhesitating gallantry and courage, promptly attacked, captured a machine gun, killed five of the enemy, including one officer, and captured eleven prisoners, thereby aiding in saving his company from further severe losses.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    104th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 22, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 5 (June 3, 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 John J. O’Brien (ASN: 72206), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private O’Brien distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Fismes, France, 22 July 1918, in aiding in the capture of an enemy machine gun nest.