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Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal Peter Collins, Jr. (ASN: 1210325), 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. Corporal Collins distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 107th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Ronssoy, France, 29 September 1918, and by his brilliant leadership and initiative.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    107th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    27th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 29, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 49 (1922)

    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 Corporal Peter Collins, Jr. (ASN: 1210325), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 107th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Ronssoy, France, 29 September 1918. When his platoon was checked at the wire in front of a strongly manned enemy trench, acting on his own initiative, Corporal Collins led his Lewis-gun squad around the left flank of the platoon under terrific hand grenade, rifle, and machine-gun fire from the enemy. Leading his squad, he jumped into a German trench and, with his Lewis -gun, inflicted heavy casualties, silenced an enemy machine gun, and compelled many of the enemy to surrender. Then, by his rifle fire, he prevented the enemy from advancing in the trench from the left. While in the act of mopping up this trench, Corporal Collins was killed.