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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 Sergeant Walter Raymond Heffron (ASN: 2176373), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 353d Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Limey, France, 12 September 1918. Prior to the attack Sergeant Heffron saved his platoon from exposure to enemy fire by going out of our trench in the face of the enemy machine-gun barrage and cutting a path through our wire. He then made his way back to his men and led them through this opening. Though the enemy machine-gun fire was intense, he carefully organized his platoon and had it in perfect formation when the command was given to advance. His example of coolness and bravery steadied his men and gave them confidence at the start of their first offensive. He was killed by a shell as he was leading his men across the first enemy trenches.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    353d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    89th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12, 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), Sergeant Walter R. Heffron (ASN: 2176373), United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) 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. Sergeant Heffron distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 353d Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on 12 September 1918, during the St. Mihiel Offensive, France, and by his brilliant leadership.