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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) George Edgar Goldthwaite, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 24th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near the Bois-de-Bantheville, France, 15 October 1918. In the course of a special reconnaissance to locate a hostile concentration massing for a counterattack in the vicinity of the Bois-de-Bantheville, Lieutenant Goldthwaite and his observer flew generally at an altitude of 400 meters, at times as low as 50 meters, 5 kilometers into the enemy’s lines. Anti-Aircraft guns riddled his plane with bullets, pierced the gasoline tank, and drenched both pilot and observer. He continued on until the enemy’s concentration was located and military information of great value secured. The bravery of Lieutenant Goldthwaite saved the lives of many American soldiers and brought large losses to the enemy.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    24th Aero Squadron

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 5, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 2 (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) George E. Goldthwaite, 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 Goldthwaite distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 24th Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on 5 November 1918, in the vicinity of Foret de Spincourt, France, in protecting an important photographic mission.