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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 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 Private Frank Helikson (ASN: 1193768), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 10th Field Artillery, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at St. Eugene, France, 15 July 1918. Being on duty as a messenger between battalion headquarters and the battery positions when the roads were under heavy bombardment of gas and high explosive shells, Private Helikson continued to make trips until his foot was shattered. Even after receiving this wound, he completed the mission upon which he was then engaged before seeking medical treatment.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    10th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Frank Helikson (ASN: 1193768), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Headquarters Company, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the early morning hours of 15 July 1918, Private Helikson was used as messenger between 1st Battalion Headquarters at St. Eugene and the batteries of this battalion. Both the batteries and the battalion had been under heaviest shell and gas fire as were the roads leading to the batteries. Private Helikson, although wounded twice, refused to be relieved and continued to deliver messages until his foot was terribly shattered. Even after his foot was shattered he continued on until his message was delivered. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]