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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) Wesley Freml, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, 1st Division, 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 Freml distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 26th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. First Lieutenant Freml, Jr., displayed great coolness, courage, and leadership while moving his company to the relief of a company holding a newly captured frontage and while consolidating the new position; although thrice wounded and under heavy artillery fire throughout the operation Lieutenant Freml refused to be evacuated and by his devotion to duty enabled his men to beat off three counter attacks.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    May 29, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 37 (1919), Amended Supplement 1

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Wesley Freml, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cantigny, France, 29 May 1918. While leading his company to the relief of a company who were holding a newly captured position, and while consolidating his new position, Lieutenant Freml was constantly subjected to perilous shelling and even though twice wounded by bursting shell, he refused evacuation. He successfully repulsed three strong enemy counterattacks, and while engaged in a hand-to-hand fight with two German officers he was killed.