Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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) William Chandler Peterson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Army Infantry, Fifth Regiment (Marines) (Attached), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. Killed in action, Lieutenant Peterson gave the supreme proof of that extraordinary heroism which will serve as an example to hitherto untried troops.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)(Attached)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – July 10, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918) Second Lieutenant (Infantry) William C. Peterson, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Second Lieutenant Peterson distinguished himself while attached to Headquarters Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June – 10 July 1918.