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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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Joseph W. Conkling, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 327th Infantry Regiment, 82d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the advance from Sommerance-St. Juvin road toward Landres-et-St. Georges, France, 11 October 1918. When the entire line was held up by direct artillery fire and concentrated machine-gun fire Captain Conkling crawled out on the open crest of the hill for a distance of 200 yards alone, for the purpose of reconnoitering and spotting enemy emplacements. Though the fire was constant and direct, he reached his objective and returned, seriously wounded several times by machine-gun bullets which later caused his death.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    327th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 11, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 10 (August 31, 1920)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain (Infantry) Joseph W. Conkling, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) 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. Captain Conkling distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 327th Infantry Regiment, 82d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Sommerance, France, 11 October 1918, while making a reconnaissance in advance of lines under heavy enemy fire.