Sponsored by:

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 Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Chaplain) Louis Curtis Tiernan (ASN: 0-17377), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief Chaplain in the European Theater of Operations from July 1942 to May 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Chaplain Tiernan culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army. [This award supersedes the awards of the Legion of Merit, for services from 12 July 1942 to 6 June 1944, and the Bronze Star Medal, for services from 6 June to 1 September 1944, as published in GN 75, Headquarters European Theater, 23 July 1944, and General Orders No. 99, Communications Zone, European Theater, 8 June 1945, respectively.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    129th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 1, 1918
    Headquarters, 35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 100 (November 15, 1918)

    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 (Chaplain’s Corps) Louis Curtis Tiernan, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Chaplain Tiernan showed exceptional bravery while serving with the 129th Field Artillery Regiment, 35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, working for two days and nights among the wounded at the dressing station at Charpentry. On 1 October 1918, under heavy shell fire, he worked all day in the open with a burial squad, with utter disregard for his personal safety.