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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 Sergeant Howard H. Fort (ASN: 58445), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company L, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Exermont, France, October 1 – 12, 1918. Sergeant Fort, then mess sergeant, company L, 28th Infantry, displayed outstanding courage and bravery and exceptional devotion to duty by voluntarily exposing himself daily to intense enemy artillery fire in conducting ration trains and delivering rations to the front-line troops. This duty was performed during nine successive nights under intense and concentrated fire, under untold hazards and difficulties. Sergeant Fort’s indomitable spirit, his devotion to his comrades, and his utter disregard for his own safety greatly inspired the men of his organization and were important factors in the successful operations of this regiment during this engagement.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    28th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 19 – 21, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 15 (1923)

    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 Sergeant Howard H. Fort (ASN: 58445), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company L, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France, July 19 – 21, 1918. As mess sergeant, Sergeant Fort established the advance kitchen of the 3d Battalion of his regiment under direct observation of an enemy balloon and under heavy enemy shellfire. Due to congestion of traffic, the roads being blocked with ammunition trains, the delivery of rations at night was forbidden. Sergeant fort for three successive days, voluntarily led a ration train in daylight in constant exposure to enemy shelling from his kitchen to the troops of the battalion in the front lines, showing splendid devotion to duty and utter disregard for his own safety. His bravery and determined devotion to his comrades inspired them to great endeavors.