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 Brigadier General Hanson Edward Ely, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Infantry Brigade, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Vierzy, France, 18 July 1918. In order that he might personally direct the attack, General Ely attempted to enter Vierzy which was not yet cleared of the enemy; he was fired on at short range by enemy machine guns in the town. He then personally organized and directed an attack which resulted in the capture of the town and in the advance of the lines well beyond. General Ely’s indomitable bravery, disregard for his own safety, his devotion to his men, and his frequent presence with them in the front line, inspired them to deeds of great courage and enabled the troops to take the town, despite strong enemy resistance made by vastly superior numbers.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
28th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
May 27 – 31, 1918
Headquarters, 1st Division, A.E.F., General Orders No. 26 (June 15, 1918)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Hanson Edward Ely, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 28th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. Colonel Hanson displayed conspicuous ability in the handling of his troops during the attack and occupation of Cantigny; during the subsequent counter attacks he made quick decisions and preserved the mission of his regiment; he was constantly in touch with his organization during the days succeeding the attack. Colonel Ely, displayed great daring and disregard for his personal safety in order to better keep in touch with his troops; he remained in an exposed position near the Regimental Observation Post during the attack, although shelled by enemy artillery, and made frequent trips of observation after the capture of Cantigny to better acquaint himself with the exact situation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Ely, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
United States Military Academy Register of GraduatesMajor (Infantry) Hanson Edward Ely, United States Army, was cited for gallantry in action during the Philippine Insurrection, 1899 to 1902. (FIRST CITATION)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Brigadier GeneralRegiment:
3d Infantry BrigadeDivision:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
July 18, 1918
GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 2 (June 3, 1919)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Brigadier General Hanson Edward Ely, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Infantry Brigade, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Vierzy, France, 18 July 1918, in directing the movements of the Infantry and Marines under intense machine gun and rifle fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Brigadier General Ely, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralRegiment:
3d Infantry BrigadeDivision:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
World War I
War Department, General Orders No. 46 (1920)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Hanson Edward Ely, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. General Ely commanded with skill and marked ability, a regiment in trench operations north of Toul, west of Montdiddier, and during the attack at Cantigny. Later as Brigade Commander of the 3d Infantry Brigade, American Expeditionary Forces, during the Aisne-Marne and St. Mihiel offensives and in the attack on the strong enemy position of Mont Blanc Ridge; and as Division Commander during the latter phase of the Meuse-Argonne offensive, he demonstrated rare qualities of leadership.