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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 Corporal John I. Beck (ASN: 541731), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company F, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Fossoy, France, 15 July 1918. After the remainder of his platoon had become casualties, Corporal Beck, with five other soldiers, succeeded in holding his platoon position against a flank attack by the enemy, inspiring his men by his courage to pour a deadly fire into the ranks of the approaching Germans. Though he was wounded by machine-gun bullet, he refused to leave his post until he was finally ordered to be evacuated.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    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), Corporal John I. Beck (ASN: 541731), 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 F, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on 15 July 1918, at Fossoy, France, during the flanking attack of the enemy from the direction of Mezy, Corporal Beck succeeded with five men in holding his entire platoon front against the enemy. At this time the rest of his platoon had been killed or wounded, and it was his bravery and coolness that encouraged his men to pour a deadly fire into the solid wall of Germans who were bearing down upon his front. Although wounded by a machine gun bullet, he refused to leave his post until finally ordered. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]