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Cecil Whitcomb enlisted in the 5th Ohio Infantry, which was re-numbered the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Division, in World War I, earning his first DSC. He served with the same regiment again during World War II where he earned his second DSC. Discharged in April 1946, he stayed in the National Guard and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1947, retiring at that rank in 1951.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    145th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 26 – 28, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 16 (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 Sergeant Cecil B. Whitcomb (ASN: 1516484), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Montfaucon, France, September 26 – 28, 1918. Attached to the regimental intelligence section of the 145th Infantry, Sergeant Whitcomb, with several men of his section, accompanied the first attacking wave of the regiment on September 26. Losing contact temporarily with the assaulting wave on account of a smoke barrage, he halted momentarily and upon resuming the advance encountered enemy machine-gun and sniper fire near a swale in the Bois-de-Montfaucon. Leaving his men in a place of safety, Sergeant Whitcomb discovered an enemy machine-gun nest which covered a bridge across the swale. He captured several unarmed enemy soldiers and an officer; the latter he forced to return to the machine-gun nest and to deliver to him the gun crews, a number of men, as well as several enemy snipers who had been inflicting heavy casualties upon his men; this action permitting the Infantry to advance without further heavy losses.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    145th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 12 – 23, 1945

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 94 (April 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Cecil Brainerd Whitcomb (ASN: 1516484), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 12 to 23 February 1945. Colonel Whitcomb repeatedly distinguished himself in operations against the enemy on Luzon, Philippine Islands. On 12 February 1945 he joined the most forward elements of his organization in the attack on the Damalit-Polo area, directly participating in the emplacement of anti-tank guns under fire, and personally aided in the destruction of an enemy pillbox with twenty occupants. On 17 February 1945, he made personal reconnaissance of the Manila Intramuros area, and under persistent enemy sniper fire obtained first-hand information essential to subsequent operations. While his regiment was attacking the fortified Metropolitan Theater and the General Post Office in Manila, he placed himself with forward assault elements, which were suffering many casualties, and directed operations to reduce these positions. Later during an attack on the Intramuros District, he again took a position with his advance elements and directed a successful attack. Colonel Whitcomb’s gallant leadership and repeated voluntary exposure to enemy fire were a constant inspiration to his men, and contributed outstandingly to the success of our operations on Luzon. Colonel Whitcomb’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.