Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) William Tignor Gill, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Surgeon with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Vierzy, France, 19 July 1918. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gill established a forward dressing station behind the advanced lines and for 15 hours treated the wounded and directed their evacuation while subjected to intense front and flank fire and in the absence of adequate shelter. His fearlessness under these conditions saved the lives of many wounded who would otherwise have been lost to the service. He disregarded personal danger and remained in an exposed position in order to give immediate care to the unfortunate.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC)

    Regiment:

    6th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 19, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) William Tignor Gill, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Surgeon with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Vierzy, France, on 19 July 1918. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gill established a forward dressing station close behind the advanced lines and for 15 hours dressed the wounded and evacuated them to the rear while subjected to intense front and flank fire without adequate protection. His fearlessness saved the lives of wounded who otherwise would have been lost to the service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC)

    Regiment:

    6th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 19, 1918
    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 53 (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, Junior Grade (MC) William Tignor Gill, Jr., 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, Junior Grade Gill distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Vierzy, France, on 19 July 1918. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gill established a first-aid dressing station behind the front lines and for fifteen hours dressed the wounded and evacuated them to the rear under intense front and flank fire without protection. His fearlessness under these conditions undoubtedly saved the lives of the wounded who otherwise would have been lost to the service had not Surgeon Gill disregarded precedent and his personal danger by choosing an exposed position in order to give immediate care to the wounded and insure their prompt evacuation.