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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 pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Service) Valentine Joseph Burger, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 3d Observation Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Hill 360, over the region of the Meuse, France, 27 October 1918. Lieutenant Burger, with his pilot, flying at an altitude of less than 15 meters within close range of numerous machine guns and light artillery pieces fired continually on them, staked the American advanced lines and helped silence enemy machine-gun nests, which were holding up the advance of the infantry at this point. Although the plane was riddled with over 300 bullet holes, and the pilot severely wounded, Lieutenant Burger gathered valuable and accurate information and assisted his pilot to a safe landing within reach of the post of command and delivered his valuable information.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    3d Observation Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 39 (1920)

    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 Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Service) Valentine Joseph Burger, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 3d Observation Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the air over Europe. On 1 November 1918, during the progress of an important attack, Lieutenant Burger volunteered on a mission to fly through a heavy fog in order to locate the then advanced infantry of the attack. In accomplishing this mission it was necessary to fly at a very low altitude and through the American barrage, which was being fired during the flight. He penetrated several kilometers into the enemy’s lines, being subjected to heavy machine-gun fire from the ground, which struck his plane many times, obtained information of the disposition of the enemy artillery, infantry, and our own front lines. He returned through the fire with the information, which was the first authentic data to reach the division commander.