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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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Hettie M. Barfield, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Mezy, France, 15 July 1918. During the battle of the Marne, near Mezy, Lieutenant Barfield rallied the men of a company who were falling back in disorder, formed them and stopped what otherwise would have been a rout. This, in the face of heavy machine-gun and artillery fire. At the same time, he managed and controlled the fire of his four machine guns so as to deliver an annihilating fire on the enemy.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 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), Second Lieutenant (Infantry) H. M. Barfield, 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 the 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Lieutenant Barfield rallied the men of his company who were falling back in disorder, formed them and stopped what otherwise would have been a route. This was accomplished in the face of heavy machine gun and artillery fire. At the time he managed the fire of his four machine guns so as to deliver a murderous fire on the Germans. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]