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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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Emmet C. Michaels, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Somme-Py, France, 3 October 1918. After five members of an automatic rifle squad had been killed by sniper fire, and the others were unable to take a machine-gun nest, which was holding up the advance of the company, Lieutenant Michaels led the remaining members of the squad against the nest, capturing 15 of the gunners and lulling the others. Later, Lieutenant Michaels was severely wounded while carrying a wounded member of his platoon to safety, but refused medical attention until the soldier had been cared for.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 3 (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), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Emmet C. Michaels, 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. First Lieutenant Michaels distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Jaulny, France, 12 September 1918, while leading a patrol.