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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) Samuel V. H. Danzig (AKA: Samuel Hyatt Vallance), United States Army, is 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 him. While serving with the 8th Machine Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the afternoon of 26 July 1918, near Le Charmel, France, Lieutenant Danzig showed utter disregard of personal safety in advancing through a heavy barrage to make a reconnaissance, and placed four guns in support of a battalion of infantry. Later in the evening the infantry withdrew, leaving his platoon exposed to hostile fire from both flanks and machine gun nests in the rear, in spite of which he maintained his positions until relieved the following night.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    8th 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), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Samuel V. H. Danzig (AKA: Samuel Hyatt Vallance), United States Army, is 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 him. While serving with the 8th Machine Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the Marne, Southeast of Fossoy, France, on the night of 14 – 15 July 1918, during the height of the enemy barrage, Lieutenant Danzig repeatedly crossed open spaces swept by shell fire to inspect the gun positions of his platoon, although they extended over a kilometer front. At one o’clock on the morning of 15 July, he established his Post of Command at a most exposed crossroads gun emplacement which had been located by enemy artillery, encouraging and looking to the safety of his men. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    8th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 14 – 15, 1918
    War Department, General Orders 98 (1919)

    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 (Infantry) Samuel V. H. Danzig (AKA: Samuel Hyatt Vallance), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 8th Machine-Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fossoy, France, July 14 – 15, 1918, and near Le Channel, France, 26 July 1918. Lieutenant Danzig repeatedly crossed open spaces swept by shell fire during a violent barrage to inspect the gun positions, under artillery fire, encouraging his men and looking after their safety. Later in the day he took charge of the guns of an officer who had been wounded and placed them in new positions. On July 26 he advanced through a heavy barrage on a reconnaissance and placed four guns in support of a battalion of infantry. After the infantry had withdrawn he held this position. Under enemy fire from the rear and flanks, until ordered to withdraw the following night.