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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 Private Joe Kaperzynski (ASN: 554579), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 9th Machine-Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Moulins, France, 15 July 1918. During the German offensive 15 July 1918, Private Kaperzynski directed the firing of his machine gun while exposed to heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. During the attack near Madeline Farm, he, with a companion, crawled in front of our lines and rescued a wounded American soldier.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    9th Machine-Gun Battalion

    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), Sergeant William Rosio (ASN: 555288), Sergeant Ferdinando (ASN: 554654), and Sergeant Joe Kaperzynski (554579), United States Army, are 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 them. While serving with Company A, 9th Machine Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Moulins, France, 15 July 1918, these Sergeants were section sergeants and by their coolness, courage and devotion to duty they greatly raised the morale of their men to a high point and aided greatly in the defense of the sector. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]