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Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Air Service) Hugh D. G. Broomfield, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Broomfield distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as an Observer with 90th Aero Squadron, Observation Wing, 1st Army, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Cunel, France, 21 October 1918, in voluntarily setting out to discover whether the enemy was preparing to counter-attack.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    90th Aero Squadron

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 21, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 37 (1919)

    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 First Lieutenant (Air Service) Hugh Dent Garvin Broomfield, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 90th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Cunel, France, 21 October 1918. Responding to an urgent request for a plane to penetrate the enemy lines to ascertain whether or not the enemy was preparing a counterattack, Lieutenant Broomfield immediately volunteered for the mission. Obliged to fly at a very low altitude on account of the unfavorable weather conditions, he was under terrific fire of the enemy at all times, but by skillful dodging he managed to cross the enemy lines. His plane was seen to suddenly lurch and crash a short distance to the ground, both he and his brother observer being killed.