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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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Joseph L. Lietzan (ASN: 126340), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Battery E, 6th Field Artillery, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Coullemelle, France, on 27 April 1918. Under a heavy bombardment, Private Lietzan voluntarily went to the assistance of other soldiers who had been buried in a dugout by enemy shell fire, and was killed while engaged in this heroic act.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    6th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    April 27, 1918
    Headquarters, 1st Division, A.E.F., General Orders No. 20 (May 17, 1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Joseph Lietzan, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private Lietzan distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Battery E, 6th Field Artillery, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. Under a heavy bombardment, Private Lietzan voluntarily went to the assistance of other soldiers who had been buried in a dugout by enemy shell fire, and was killed while engaged in this heroic action.