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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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Lansing Colton Holden, Jr., United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 95th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near St. Jean de Buzy, France, 4 November 1918. Flying at a low altitude to evade hostile pursuit patrols, Lieutenant Holden attacked a German observation balloon in the face of anti-aircraft and machine-gun fire. Although the balloon was being rapidly pulled own, he set fire to it in its nest and also caused much damage to adjacent buildings.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    95th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 23, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 46 (1919)

    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) Lansing Colton Holden, Jr., United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 95th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Montigny, France, 23 October 1918. Lieutenant Holden was ordered to attack several German balloons, reported to be regulating effective artillery fire on our troops. After driving off an enemy plane, encountered before reaching the balloons, he soon came upon five balloons in ascension one kilometer apart. In attacking the first, which proved to be a decoy with a basket, his guns jammed; after clearing them he attacked the second balloon, forcing the observer to jump. His guns again jammed before he could set fire to this balloon. Moving on the third balloon at a height of only 50 meters, he set fire to it and compelled the observer to jump. He was prevented from attacking the two remaining balloons by the further jamming of his machine gun.