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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) Robert L. Finch, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Adjutant, 3d Battalion, 372d Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Bussy Farm, France, 28 September 1918. First Lieutenant Finch voluntarily led a portion of the first attacking wave over the enemy’s position in the face of intense artillery and machine-gun fire. Later he, in company with another officer, voluntarily advanced under heavy fire to the enemy’s wire and cut an opening for the passage of our troops.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    372d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    93d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 28, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 2 (June 3, 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) Robert L. Finch, 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. First Lieutenant Finch distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as Adjutant, 3d Battalion, 372d Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Bussy Farm, France, 29 September 1918, in leading a portion of the first wave forward in the face of intense machine gun and artillery fire.