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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 Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Emery Wilson Mills, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Grand Pre, France, 25 October 1918. Lieutenant Mills asked permission to lead a platoon against strong enemy machine-gun nests which were blocking the advance of the battalion. He not only led his platoon in a daring and extraordinarily successful attack, but personally advanced ahead of his platoon and captured two machine guns. During the consolidation of the line he fearlessly walked up and down the line under intense machine-gun and artillery fire, establishing strong points and encouraging his men.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    311th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    78th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 27, 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), Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Emery W. Mills, 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. Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Mills distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Grand-Pre, France, 27 October 1918, and by his brilliant leadership.