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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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harry H. Marsh, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cunel, France, 14 October 1918. Lieutenant Marsh, with a force of 50 men, took a line of trenches, at the same time capturing prisoners greatly in excess of the members of his own command. It was due to his gallant example that this feat was accomplished. Lieutenant Marsh was killed by machine-gun fire as the trench was taken.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 14, 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), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harry H. Marsh, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) 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 in Command of Company C, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the Argonne-Meuse action near Cunel, France, on 14 October 1918, Lieutenant Marsh with a force of fifty men, took a line of trenches at the same time capturing prisoners greatly in excess of the members of his own command. It was due to the example set by Lieutenant Marsh and his utter disregard for his personal safety, that this feat was accomplished. Lieutenant Marsh was killed by Machine Gun fire as the trench was taken. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]