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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 Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General John Bacon McDonald, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. While Commanding the 181st Infantry Brigade, during the advance of the 91st Division from Foret-de-Hesse, Argonne, France, in September 1918, General McDonald was instrumental in the successes achieved. He directed the attack in person, and by his example of personal courage and by his sound tactical orders he so inspired his brigade that it was enabled to capture and hold a most important position.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    181st Infantry Brigade

    Division:

    91st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 26 – 30, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 44 (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 Brigadier General John Bacon McDonald, United States Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 181st Infantry Brigade, 91st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Epinonville, France, September 26 – 30, 1918. General McDonald was almost continuously present with the leading elements of his brigade, inspiring his troops by his personal bravery and energy under fire. Near Epinonville, when his command was about to make an attack, and was under heavy artillery fire, General McDonald, by his disregard for personal safety, steadied his men and stimulated them to successful assault on the ridge forming part of the German main line of resistance. Two days later, with one flank exposed by the withdrawal of the unit on the right, he led his brigade in the attack on and capture of Gesnes.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Cavalry)

    Regiment:

    3d Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    1899 – 1902
    U.S. Military Academy Register of Graduates

    Captain (Cavalry) John Bacon McDonald, United States Army, was cited for gallantry in action while serving with the 3d Cavalry Regiment, in action at Barangobong, Philippine Islands, during the Philippine Insurrection, 1899 to 1902. Captain McDonald, with 21 men on the firing line, and one sergeant and six men left with horses, struck and defeated 60 insurgents with rifles and 40 bolomen, under Tinio, in a stiff fight, in which he was severely wounded through the right lung. Captain McDonald was wounded by the first volley, and is deserving of much credit in not permitting his men to know that he was hurt until after the fight was over, thereby averting what might have been a less fortunate ending. The insurgents were on a high mountain with steep ascent. The troops made their fight after scaling this mountain.