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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 First Lieutenant (Cavalry) William O. Coleman, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Aid-de-Camp, 1st Infantry Brigade, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France, 20 July 1918. His liaison group having suffered many casualties, Lieutenant Coleman exposed himself to heavy fire on two different occasions in traversing the front line of the 18th Infantry during the attack. He returned each time with valuable information. Later, while on a mission to the front line, he was severely wounded, which necessitated the amputation of his left arm. Previously at Seicheprey, France, 1 March 1918, while on a mission to obtain identifications of enemy participants in a raid, he went out in advance of our lines, under heavy enemy fire, to assist in the capture of an enemy raider.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    6th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 19, 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), First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) William O. Coleman, 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. First Lieutenant Coleman distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 6th Field Artillery, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Buzancy, France, 19 July 1918, in three times going to the Infantry front line positions to determine the artillery fire for a protective barrage. [This award was rescinded under GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 9 (August 1, 1920) as the recipient has been awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for deed including this act.]