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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 First Lieutenant (Medical Corps) William H. J. O’Brien, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 76th Field Artillery (Attached), 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near la Trinity Ferme, France, July 14 – 15, 1918. During the entire night of July 14 – 15, and throughout the following day, Lieutenant O’Brien was continually exposed to high explosives and gas shells in caring for the wounded, even after he had been painfully wounded by the fragment of a shell.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Medical Corps)

    Regiment:

    76th Field Artillery (Attached)

    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), First Lieutenant (Medical Corps) William H. J. O’Brien, 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 the 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Lieutenant O’Brien displayed extraordinary heroism in action near La Trinity Ferme, France, 14 – 15 July 1918. During the entire night of 14 – 15 July, and throughout the following day, Lieutenant O’Brien was continually exposed to high explosives and gas shells in caring for the wounded, even after he had been painfully wounded by the fragment of a shell. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]