Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    125th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 9, 1918

    War Department, General Orders 78 (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 Archie J. Finley (ASN: 263447), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 125th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Gesnes, France, 9 October 1918. In the fighting near Gesnes, Corporal Finley’s platoon became isolated in a position far in advance of the rest of his company. In order to obtain liaison, Corporal Finley twice voluntarily carried messages from his platoon to the remainder of the company. In order to do this, it was necessary to cross two stretches which were entirely open to the enemy’s fire. In spite of this, Corporal Finley carried out his mission successfully and completed plans for the withdrawal of the platoon that night. During the withdrawal of the platoon, Corporal Finley repeatedly returned to search for wounded men, whom he carried on his back to a place of safety.