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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 First Lieutenant (Air Service) Harvey Conover, 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 Consenvoye, France, 27 October 1918. Flying at an altitude of less than 50 meters over enemy artillery and machine guns, which were constantly firing on him, Lieutenant Conover and his observer staked the American front lines and gave valuable information and assistance to the advancing infantry. Although suffering from two severe wounds, and with a seriously damaged plane, he delivered a harassing fire on six enemy machine-gun nests which were checking the advance of the ground troops, and successfully drove off the crews of four guns and silenced the other two. He then made a safe landing and forwarded his information to division headquarters before seeking medical aid.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    3d Observation Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 14, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 1 (June 3, 1919)

    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) Harvey H. Conover, United States Army Air Service, is cited 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 Conover distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 3d Observation Group, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Lachaussee, France, 14 September 1918, while on a photographic mission.