Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class George I. Peterson, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Peterson distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class showed bravery and utter disregard for personal safety in the care of the wounded. During the night of 4 October 1918, he was obliged to care for the company’s wounded alone and was directly responsible for the saving of several lives through his cool work and untiring devotion to duty. This under terrific shell fire and in the region of Blanc Mont, France.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 19, 1918
    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 53 (1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class George I. Peterson, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Peterson distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Vaux Castle, France, 19 July 1918. Cool and courageous in his work, he gave first aid to the wounded in an exposed position under constant shell fire.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 3 – 7, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 37 (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 Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class George I. Peterson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Company M, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near St. Etienne, France, October 3 – 7, 1918. Pharmacist’s Mate Peterson was directly responsible for the saving of several lives while obliged to care for the company’s wounded alone. On succeeding days he traveled from one side of the company sector to the other, through artillery and machine-gun barrage, hunting and caring for the wounded.