Navy Federal Credit Union

Wallace Coleman was credited with 2 aerial victories in World War I.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    Observation Group

    Regiment:

    4th Corps

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12 – 13, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 128 (1918)

    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) Wallace Angus Coleman, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Observation Group, 4th Corps, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Jaulny France, September 12 – 13, 1918. On September 12 Lieutenant Coleman, pilot, and Second Lieutenant William Belzer, observer, while on an artillery surveillance mission were attacked by an enemy plane. They waited until the enemy was at close range and then fired 50 rounds directly into the vital parts of the enemy machine, which was seen to disappear out of control. The next day Lieutenants Belzer and Coleman, while on a reconnaissance mission, were attacked by seven enemy aircraft. They unhesitatingly opened fire, but, owing to their guns being jammed, were forced to withdraw to our lines, where, clearing the jam, they returned to finish the mission. Their guns again jammed, and they were driven back by a large patrol of enemy planes. After skillful maneuvering they succeeded in putting one gun into use and returned a third time, only to be driven back. Undaunted, they returned the fourth time and accomplished their mission, transmitting valuable information to the Infantry headquarters.