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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 Sergeant Arthur Mitchell (ASN: 544911), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Machine-Gun Company, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Mezy, France, 15 July 1918. After his gun had been destroyed by shell fire Sergeant Mitchell led his men through the enemy lines to our own. He braved the extreme shelling and machine-gun fire by going to the aid of the wounded, and while withdrawing covered the retreat, effectively holding off the enemy. He was killed in action shortly afterwards.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 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), Sergeant Arthur Mitchell (ASN: 544911), 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 serving with the Machine Gun Company, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, after his machine gun had been destroyed by shell fire on 15 July 1918, Sergeant Mitchell gathered his men and successfully led them through the enemy’s line to the American position. Later he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to give first aid and when a withdrawal was ordered, acted as rear-guard. Fearlessly leading his men in action, Sergeant Mitchell was killed on 25 July 1918. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]