Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Bugler

    Regiment:

    142d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    36th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 8, 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 Bugler Lee Frazier Gilstrap (ASN: 1483970), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near St. Etienne-sur-Marne, France, 8 October 1918. In the assault of the 142d Infantry before the town of St. Etienne, Bugler Gilstrap voluntarily accompanied the first assaulting wave of his regiment. Under direct observation of the enemy he assisted many wounded men to shelter, with utter disregard for his own safety. Throughout the day he voluntarily carried messages from battalion to regimental headquarters through a zone swept by terrific enemy machine-gun, gas-shell, and high-explosive artillery fire. Repeatedly urged by officers and noncommissioned officers to seek shelter, he coolly declined to do so, continuing on his dangerous missions in complete contempt for the hottest fire, until badly burned by gas-shell fire and evacuated to hospital. During the course of the day he found several enemy soldiers hiding in shell holes. These men he required to carry wounded American soldiers to dressing stations. The indomitable heroism, contempt for enemy fire, and superb devotion to duty of Bugler Gilstrap served as an example of soldierly bravery and conduct to every man of his regiment and inspired them all to the greatest endeavors.