Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander (MC) Paul T. Dessez, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Regimental Surgeon, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F, in action at Chateau-Thierry, France. On the day that the regiment suffered its heaviest losses, 6 June 1918, Commander Dessez organized the service of caring for and evacuating the wounded in the most systematic and admirable manner. The duty required almost constant exposure to the fire of the enemy.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander (MC)

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 110 (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 Commander (MC) Paul T. Dessez, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Regimental Surgeon, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. Commander Dessez organized the service of caring for and evacuating the wounded in a most systematic and admirable manner, constantly exposing himself to the enemy, displaying extraordinary heroism, coolness and energy.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander (MC)

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1918

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 88 (1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant Commander (MC) Paul T. Dessez, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Lieutenant Commander Dessez distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. On the day that the regiment suffered its heaviest losses, 6 June 1918, Lieutenant Commander Dessez organized the service of caring for and evacuating the wounded in a most systematic and admirable manner. As there were few of his officers and men who had experience in the work and, as the terrain and the villages in which the above work was organized were not well known, the duty required almost constant exposure to the fire of the enemy on the part of Surgeon Dessez. It is felt that due to the extraordinary heroism on his part, this work was efficiently performed.