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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Grosvenor P. Cather, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cantigny, France, 27 May 1918. During a strong enemy attack Lieutenant Cather mounted the parapet of his trench, and, although exposed to withering machine-gun fire, he so skillfully directed the fire of his automatic rifles that the attack was repulsed. In this action he fell mortally wounded.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    May 27 – 31, 1918
    Headquarters, 1st Division, A.E.F., General Orders No. 29 (June 22, 1918)

    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) Grosvenor P. Cather, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Second Lieutenant Cather distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 26th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. Second Lieutenant Cather displayed great courage and coolness during the enemy raid of May 27, 1918; he mounted the parapet of his trench and although exposed to the fire of seven enemy machine guns directed the work of his two automatic rifle teams so as to deliver a destructive flanking fire.