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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) Fred During, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Nantillois, France, 4 October 1918. Lieutenant During crossed an open field toward the enemy under the heaviest of machine-gun fire, enfilading and frontal, in order to give directions to French tanks for an attack on enemy machine-guns. He was wounded in the leg and received a second wound while returning to his company. In spite of his wounds, he directed the attack from a shell hole until carried from the field, due to loss of blood.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    4th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4, 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) Fred During, 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 as Commanding Officer of Company B, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, In action near Nantillois, France, Lieutenant Fred During although wounded twice, crossed an open field towards the enemy under the heaviest of machine gun fire, both enfilading and frontal for about seventy five yards, in order that certain French tanks might be given the necessary directions for an attack on the enemy machine gun nests, so that the company, which had been held up, might go forward. After receiving the second wound Lieutenant During continued to direct the movements of the company from a shell hole, to which he was carried after giving full directions to the tanks, until it became necessary that he be evacuated on account of weakness from loss of blood. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]