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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 Mechanic William L. Anderson (ASN: 550049), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, October 1 – 16, 1918. Mechanic Anderson acted as company runner and carried numerous messages on routes exposed to artillery and machine-gun fire. When on the point of collapse from exhaustion and ordered to the rear, he refused to leave his company. His individual efforts in maintaining communication regardless of the great dangers to which he was exposed were of great value to his company commander.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Mechanic [then Private]

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 1 – 16, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Mechanic [then Private] William L. Anderson (ASN: 550049), United States Army, is cited 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 Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Mechanic Anderson exhibited much coolness and confidence as a runner under the fiercest condition during the battles of the Marne and Vesle. During the relief on the Vesle he guided the relief just after a gas attack and through heavy artillery and machine gun fire. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]