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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) Robert Banks Anderson (Andreson), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the attack and defense at Cantigny, France, 28 – 29 May 1918. First Lieutenant Anderson showed utter disregard for his personal safety in leading his command forward in spite of artillery and machine-gun fire. While directing the security of his men after the advance, and in order to make certain that they were protected first, he himself was killed.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    28th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    May 27 – 31, 1918
    Headquarters, 1st Division, A.E.F., General Orders No. 26 (June 15, 1918)

    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) Robert B. Anderson (Andreson), United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Andreson distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 28th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. First Lieutenant Andreson gallantly led his company through heavy artillery and machine gun fire, and while attempting to get his men under cover he, himself, was mortally wounded.