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By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain (Armor) Courtney H. Barnard, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Captain Barnard distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 345th Tank Battalion, Tank Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Cheppy, France, 28 September 1918, while leading his tanks into action, and at Montrebeau, France, 4 October 1918, in rescuing a wounded soldier under enemy fire.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Armor)

    Batallion:

    345th Tank Battalion

    Division:

    Tank Corps, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 26, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 4, 1923

    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 Captain (Armor) Courtney H. Barnard, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 345th Tank Battalion, Tank Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, at Cheppy, France, 26 September 1918. During the attack on Cheppy, Captain Barnard personally reconnoitered on foot a passage through an extensive mine field while under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, and later led his company through this mine field and destroyed the machine-gun nests which were holding up the advance of our Infantry. Captain Barnard was exposed to terrific machine-gun and artillery fire throughout the entire action, and by his coolness and courage set a splendid example to his men, which produced a noticeable determination on their part, which materially aided in the success of the attack.