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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 Private First Class Arthur David Blake (ASN: 1723612), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 103d Machine-Gun Battalion, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near St. Remy, France, 12 September 1918. During an enemy attack Private Blake, although not on duty, first discovered the presence of the enemy and gave the alarm. During the action, four of the enemy attempted to flank one of the machine-gun positions. Private Black killed one of the flanking group with his pistol and captured the other three unaided.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    103d Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 18 – 24, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 1 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Arthur David Blake (ASN: 1723612), 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. Private Blake distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 103d Machine-Gun Battalion, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Givry, France, 18 – 24 July 1918, in carrying messages through shell swept areas.