Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal Joseph F. Esser (ASN: 1827192), United States Army, is cited 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. Corporal Esser distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Immecourt, France, 1 November 1918, in aiding in the capture of 200 prisoners.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    319th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    80th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1918
    War Department, General Orders 87 (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 Corporal Joseph Frank Esser (ASN: 1827192), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company H, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Imecourt, France, 1 November 1918. When his company was held up by enemy machine-gun fire, Corporal Esser, having no rifle grenades, searched about with disregard for his own safety until he found two, with which he boldly attacked the enemy, causing the surrender of two hundred Germans.