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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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) George S. Beatty, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Le Rocq Farm, France, 15 July 1918. Having remained at battalion headquarters, after the relief of his battalion, when the German barrage, preceding the second battle of the Marne opened, Lieutenant Beatty, realizing the gravity of the situation, voluntarily went out through heavy destructive fire on a reconnaissance of the front lines, and obtained information which could not be secured in any other manner. He encouraged the troops by his disregard for personal danger, and gave directions for the defense of the positions. It being necessary for him to remove his gas mask in order to accomplish this mission, he was seriously burned by mustard gas.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    7th 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) George S. Beatty, 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 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the morning of 15 July 1918, Lieutenant Beatty performed the extremely hazardous task of reconnoitering our lines, under an intense barrage, between Le Rocq Ferme, and the Marine River. A change of troops was occurring at the time the enemy barrage opened, and Lieutenant Beatty realized the situation and voluntarily went on the hazardous mission which he successfully accomplished. Lieutenant Beatty was severely burned at the time. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]