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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 Sergeant Arthur Norwat (ASN: 1710316), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 308th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Revillon, France, September 14 – 15, 1918. On September 14 Sergeant Norwat advanced ahead of his company, and with an automatic rifle single-handed silenced an enemy machine-gun nest, capturing the gunner. On the following day after having assumed command, because of the fact that all officers had become casualties, he assembled 13 men and led them in a charge against superior forces of the enemy, recapturing a trench which shortly before had been taken by the enemy.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    308th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    77th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 1 (1926)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Arthur Norwat (ASN: 1710316), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 308th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Moulin De L’Homme Mort, France, 4 October 1918. When enemy machine-gun fire had checked his attempt to reach companies which had been surrounded by the enemy, Sergeant Norwat sprang upon the parapet, in full view of the enemy, and opened fire with an automatic rifle. He continued with this heroic work until he fell mortally wounded.