Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    353d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    89th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12 – 13, 1918

    War Department, General Orders 98 (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 Private Joseph A. Szczepanik (ASN: 2209637), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 353d Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Limey, France, September 12 – 13, 1918. Private Szczepanik displayed remarkable daring in going out alone and locating the hiding places into which the enemy soldiers had been driven by our barrage. Through his efforts about 150 Germans were captured before they had a chance to come out from cover and man their machine-guns. He was wounded while attempting to enter barracks in which several of the enemy had taken refuge.