Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal [Acting Sergeant]

    Regiment:

    328th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 8, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 22 (1929)

    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 Corporal [Acting Sergeant] Bernard Early (ASN: 1910216), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company G, 328th Infantry Regiment, 82d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Chatel-Chehery, France, 8 October 1918. When in command of a party of 17 men Sergeant Early flanked a German battalion. Upon being suddenly confronted by about 200 of the enemy, Sergeant Early decided to attack despite the disparity of numbers. By his quick decision and excellent leadership Sergeant Early effected a successful surprise attack, which he led and commanded until severely wounded by enemy machine-gun fire. The conspicuous gallantry and outstanding leadership on the part of Sergeant Early so inspired the remainder of his small command that it continued the attack until the enemy battalion was either killed or taken prisoner.