Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    121st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    8th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 12, 1944

    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 84 (November 21, 1944)

    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 Captain (Infantry) Arthur W. Kaiser (ASN: 0-420553), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company of the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 12 August 1944. Spearheading a battalion attack upon an enemy fortified line, Captain Kaiser, far in advance of his men, courageously led his company through dangerous anti-personnel minefields, barbed wire entanglements, tank barriers, artillery barrages and grazing machine gun fire from concrete pillboxes and bunkers. Patrols of adjacent units reached the rear of the battalion objective and limited his company’s fire to small arms and grenades. When the objective was within assault range, Captain Kaiser, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, fearlessly advanced ahead of his troops to begin a vicious bayonet and grenade charge. In the bitter hand-to-hand fighting which ensued, twenty-nine prisoners were captured and numerous casualties were inflicted upon the enemy. Captain Kaiser’s inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.