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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 Eugene Bothwell (ASN: 541632), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fossoy, France, 15 July 1918. Through the heavy artillery preparation of the enemy of 15 July Private Bothwell volunteered and carried a message over an entirely strange route. He successfully completed his mission and returned with the answer.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    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), Private Eugene Bothwell (ASN: 541632), 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 K, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on 15 July 1918, near Fossoy, France, during an intense artillery preparation by the enemy, Private Bothwell volunteered to carry a message to the Regimental Post of Command through a heavy bombardment, although he had never travelled the route before. He found his way in the dark to the Regimental Post of Command and returned to the Battalion Post of Command under constant heavy shell fire. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]