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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Captain (Infantry) William Francis Freehoff, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, along the Marne River, 15 July 1918. Under a heavy hostile artillery fire and fire from low-flying airplanes, Captain Freehoff rallied and reorganized scattered elements of his own and another company and courageously led them in the face of heavy machine-gun fire against a strong machine-gun nest, killed and wounded several of the crew and captured the gun.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 28 (1921)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain (Infantry) William F. Freehoff, United States Army, is cited for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Captain (Infantry) Freehoff distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Fismes, France, 7 August 1918, in leading his company in the attack. Although wounded, he refused to be evacuated until wounded enlisted men were taken care of.