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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 Captain (Infantry) Thomas L. Cornell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons France, 20 and 21 July 1918. Captain Cornell showed complete disregard of self in placing his men to the best advantage under machine-gun and artillery fire, and in the last of the fighting rendered invaluable assistance under fire in the reorganization of the battalion of which his command was a part.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 5, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 19 (1922)

    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 (Infantry) Thomas L. Cornell, United States Army, is cited for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Cornell distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Exermont, France, 5 October 1918. When the advance of his company was held up before a strong machine gun nest, Lieutenant Cornell, with utter disregard for his own safety, personally turned a captured machine gun on the position, and after firing a belt of ammunition led the charge which captured the position.