Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Hospital Apprentice First Class Alvin W. Pilkerton, 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. Hospital Apprentice First Class Pilkerton distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. In the action against the enemy near Thiaucourt, France, on 15 September 1918, he was dressing a patient under terrific shell fire and was wounded severely in two places. He refused to be dressed himself until he had taken care of his patients. His wounds necessitated his evacuation. Throughout the entire action his thoughts and actions were for the wounded at all times.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    6th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 15, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 37 (1919)

    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 Pharmacist’s Mate Alvin Ward Pilkerton, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Corpsman with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Thiaucourt, France, 15 September 1918. While he was dressing the injuries of a wounded soldier under heavy shell fire, Pharmacist’s Mate Pilkerton was himself severely wounded in two places, but he refused to treat his own wounds until he had taken care of his patient.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospital Apprentice First Class

    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), Hospital Apprentice First Class Alvin W. Pilkerton, 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. Hospital Apprentice First Class Pilkerton distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Vierzy, France, 19 July 1918. Exposed to heavy shell fire in the open and without adequate shelter, he performed valuable service in giving prompt and effective aid to the wounded, undoubtedly saving many lives.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate

    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 Pharmacist’s Mate Alvin W. Pilkerton, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Corpsman with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Vierzy, France, on 19 July 1918. Pharmacist’s Mate Pilkerton did cool and effective work in caring for wounded under heavy fire in the open and without adequate shelter.