Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    107th Field Signal Battalion

    Division:

    32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 2, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 20 (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 Corporal Donald D. Palmer (ASN: 252135), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 107th Field Signal Battalion, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cierges, France, 2 August 1918. Corporal Palmer was a member of a detachment stringing telephone wire far in advance of the front lines through the heaviest artillery fire. When connection was established at a point within 100 yards of the German line and before the American advance was begun, he volunteered to remain there until our troops had advanced far enough to establish the advance regimental post of command at that place. His devotion to duty under conditions of greatest danger assisted immeasurably in maintaining unity of action between the front lines and regimental post of command, and his utter indifference to his own safety made easier the capture of a strong enemy position.