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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 Sergeant Joseph B. Crandall (ASN: 554827), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 9th Machine-Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Chateau-Thierry, France, July 14 – 15, 1918. Being detached from his platoon with a machine-gun section for the purpose of making a relief, Sergeant Crandall, although severely wounded and suffering great pain, continued to direct his section until killed at his post.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    9th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 14 – 15, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Earl C. Elliott (ASN: 554981), Sergeant Joseph B. Crandall (Deceased), Corporal Athanasseos Xanthopoulos (ASN: 554824), Corporal John J. Hourihan (Deceased), and Private Joseph B. Rosella (ASN: 554935), United States Army, are cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded them. While serving with Company B, 9th Machine Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, while making a relief in Bois d’Aigremont, near Crezancy, France, on the night of 14 – 15 July 1918, these men, in the confusion caused by darkness and terrific artillery fire, became separated from their guides, but never hesitating, searched until they found the positions in which to set up the guns under their charge. Through their bravery and leadership they were able to greatly strengthen our lines at that point. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]