Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers)

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1942

    War Department, General Orders No. 6 (February 9, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Robert M. Emery (ASN: 0-317400), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 November 1942 at Djebel, Murdjadin, Algeria. When an enemy machine gun in a commanding position was holding up the advance of our troops, Lieutenant Emery left cover and attacked the nest single-handed, armed only with a submachine gun. His advance carried him over terrain continually swept by enemy automatic weapons fire. He was killed almost twenty-five yards from the hostile position but his heroic action distracted the enemy long enough for he assault elements to outflank and eliminate the machine gun nest. The gallant example set by this officer raised the morale of our assault elements and expedited the advance to and capture of the objective. First Lieutenant Emery’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.