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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 pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Alfred B. Patterson, Jr., United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 93d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the region of Moirey, France, 23 October 1918. Lieutenant Patterson led a formation for the purpose of protecting our bombing planes, the accompanying planes being obliged to return, due to engine trouble. Despite this fact, Lieutenant Patterson proceeded on the mission alone. He sighted an enemy patrol of nine machines (Fokker type) and attacked them, driving one down.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    93d Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 29, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 133 (1918)

    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) Alfred Bryan Patterson, Jr., United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 93d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the region of Moiry, France, 29 September 1918. While on a patrol with two other machines, First Lieutenant Patterson attacked an enemy formation of seven planes (Fokker type) that were protecting a bi-place plane. They destroyed the bi-place and four of the Fokkers, forcing the remaining three to retire.