Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Chaplain’s Corps) Augustus Francis Gearhard, United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed hostile force while serving as Chaplain of the FIFTH Air Force in the Pacific Theater of Operations in 1942 and 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain Gearhard, 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 Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Chaplain)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Chaplain) Augustus Francis Gearhard, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chaplain of the FIFTH Air Force in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gearhard and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    328th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 15 – 16, October 3 – 20, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 142 (1918)

    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 (Chaplain’s Corps) Augustus Francis Gearhard, United States Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 328th Infantry Regiment, 82d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Norroy and Vandieres, France, September 15 – 16, 1918, and at Chatel Chehery and Sommerance, France, October 3 – 20. During this advance of his regiment from Norroy to Vandieres Chaplain Gearhard displayed exceptional bravery and fidelity to his duties by working two days and nights without sleeping, recovering and removing to the rear the killed and wounded, making frequent trips into no man’s land under heavy shell fire for this purpose. In the operations at Chatel-Chehery and Sommerance this officer again distinguished himself by remaining constantly at the advanced aid station assisting the surgeon, administering aid to the wounded, cheering and comforting them.