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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 Corporal Marian Kohn (ASN: 553826), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 8th Machine-Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the Argonne-Meuse offensive, France, October 5 – 6, 1918. Seeing his platoon commander and platoon sergeant buried by a shell explosion, Corporal Kohn left his trench, and, in the face of perilous machine-gun and shell fire, single-handed rescued his comrades from the caved-in trench.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    8th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 5 – 6, 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), Corporal Marian Kohn (ASN: 553826), 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 the 8th Machine Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Corporal Kohn showed exceptional courage, bravery and fearlessness throughout the Meuse-Argonne Battle. The night of 5 – 6 October 1918, his Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant were buried by the explosion of a shell. Corporal Kohn left his trench and in the face of terrific machine gun and shell fire, single-handed, rescued his Officer and Platoon Sergeant from the caved-in trench. To reach this trench, Corporal Kohn had to cross an open field, continually swept by direct enemy fire. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]