Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    117th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 7, 1918

    War Department, General Orders 81 (1919)

    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 Captain (Infantry) David Wiley Lillard, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Ponchaux, France, 7 October 1918. Severely wounded in the side, when an enemy machine-gun bullet struck and exploded two clips of shells in his magazine pouch, Captain Lillard struggled to his feet and directed the further advance of his company. For six hours he remained in command of his company, issuing orders from a shell hole, under the most intense fire. During part of this period he was practically unconscious and was suffering severe pain; but he, nevertheless, successfully accomplished the organization of his company’s position.