Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Wagoner

    Batallion:

    10th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 23, 1918

    War Department, General Orders 71 (1919)

    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 Wagoner Joseph A. McCollum (ASN: 567527), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 10th Machine-Gun Battalion, 4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Bois-de-Roi, France, 23 July 1918. On duty as a runner, Wagoner McCollum volunteered to re-establish liaison with the French unit, to which his company was attached, after several officers and men had failed in the attempt. He performed the mission successfully, although exposed to heavy fire. Though knocked down and temporarily stunned by the explosion of a shell, he accomplished a second dangerous mission, remaining on duty until ordered to the rear.