Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Jerry
Melfi

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    126th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 14, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 49 (1922)

    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 Private First Class Jerry Melfi (ASN: 3180986), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company F, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Bois-de-Bantheville, France, 14 October 1918. After two runners had been wounded attempting to get liaison with the troops on the left of his regiment, Private Melfi, though sick from exposure, volunteered and successfully crossed an open field which was constantly swept by enemy machine-gun fire. Having accomplished his mission, he returned through the same machine-gun fire and delivered to his company commander the information he had gained. Private Melfi’s devotion to duty and fearlessness were an inspiration to his comrades.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    126th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 14 – 16, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 5 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private First Class Jerry Melfi (ASN: 3180986), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private First Class Melfi distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in the Bois de Bantheville, France, 14 – 16 October 1918, while on duty as a runner and scout.