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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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class McKinley Pound (ASN: 306990), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Battery E, 18th Field Artillery, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fismes, France, 11 August 1918. during heavy shelling by the enemy Private Pound voluntarily went forward into a shell-swept area in front of the battery position to assist in bringing back a severely wounded man. Private Pound, assisted by two officers of his battery, carried the wounded man under heavy fire to a place of comparative safety from where he was evacuated to the rear. The utter disregard for his own personal safety displayed by Private Pound was an inspiration to the entire command.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    18th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 11, 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 First Class McKinley Pound (ASN: 306990), United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) 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 Battery E, 18th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, with First Lieutenant George L. B. Rivers and Second Lieutenant Champ Carry, Private First Class Pound voluntarily went forward into the shell-swept area in front of the battery position, and brought back Private John Simonis, Battery E, 18th Field Artillery, who was severely wounded, showing self-sacrifice and daring of a most unusual nature. This act was performed near Fismes, France, on 11 August 1918. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]