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Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Van Walker Peterson (ASN: 1386508), 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. Sergeant Peterson distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 131st Infantry Regiment, 33d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the battle of the Meuse, France, 26 September 1918, in alone putting a machine gun out of action and capturing three enemy 77-mm. field pieces.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    131st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    33d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 10, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 37 (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 Sergeant Van Walker Peterson (ASN: 1386508), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 131st Infantry Regiment, 33d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Bois-de-Chaume, France, 10 October 1918. When the company guarding the flank was on the verge of retreating in disorder, Sergeant Peterson avoided the perilous situation by jumping to the front and holding the badly shaken troops in their positions on the line. His quick action during the terrific fire was responsible for the safety of the entire line.