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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), Private Edward Kirschenbaum (ASN: 550986), 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 as a Runner with Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the Battle of the Marne, 15 June 1918, Private Kirschenbaum was attacked to 2d Battalion Headquarters and did voluntarily, during the intense barrage, carry messages from and to the advanced positions on the river. On one trip, he single-handed captured three of the enemy who had infiltrated through out lines. Private Kirschenbaum, although without food or sleep for over 60 hours carried important messages through the severe barrage and kept the Battalion and company Commanders informed of the movements of the enemy. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 22 (1920)

    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 Edward Kirschenbaum (ASN: 550986), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Moulins, France, 15 July 1918. Private Kirschenbaum carried numerous messages through heavy artillery and machine-gun fire from the front-line companies to battalion headquarters. Due to his efforts communications were maintained during the period when his organization was successfully defending its position against powerful enemy attack. On one of his trips he captured three enemy prisoners, who had infiltrated through our lines.