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), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Clarence E. Allen, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the terrific bombardment on the early morning of 15 July 1918, Lieutenant Allen showed great bravery and self-sacrifice in moving about the woods in which his platoon was quartered in an effort to place his men in safe dug-outs near Crezancy, France. He encouraged his men and helped care for wounded members of his platoon although exposed to terrific shell fire and gas. He was killed by shell fire while setting a splendid example of self sacrifice and devotion to duty.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918

    War Department, General Orders 64 (1919)

    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 (Infantry) Clarence E. Allen, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Crezancy, France, 15 July 1918. Lieutenant Allen displayed exceptional courage, bravery and self-sacrifice by moving about the woods in which his platoon was quartered during a heavy bombardment, placing his men in safe dug-puts and rendering aid to wounded men under an intense shelling of high explosives and gas shells. He was killed while in the execution of this mission.