Navy Federal Credit Union

Earl Weed grew up in Franklin, Nebraska, and left after completing high school to embark on a life of ministry. He received a Doctor of Divinity degree from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. He returned to the mid-west and was pastor of the Congregational Church in Athol, Kansas, when he entered military service during World War I, first as an enlisted man, and then as a U.S. Army chaplain. He remained in military service as a chaplain after the war, serving again during World War II, and retiring in 1947 as a U.S. Army colonel. In retirement he became pastor of the First Congregational Church in Asheville, North Carolina. He authored a book dedicated to the men of his World War I regiment titled “The Story of the Sixteenth Infantry in France.”

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I

    Headquarters, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, General Orders No. 1 (1920)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps) Earl H. (Dudley) Week, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, FIRST DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Chaplain Weed distinguished himself while serving with the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during World War I.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 19 – 22, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 125 (1918)

    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 First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps) Earl H. (Dudley) Weed, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France, July 19 – 22, 1918. Chaplain Weed displayed exceptional bravery in passing through open fields under heavy fire to the front lines to render first aid and to cheer the wounded.