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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 Corporal Melvin J. Politte (ASN: 2337478), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Grand Ballois Farm, France, 15 July 1918. After seeing many of his comrades killed or wounded in attempting the same mission, Corporal Politte went forward under heavy shell and gas bombardment and repaired telephone lines.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    4th 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), Corporal Melvin J. Politte (ASN: 2337478), United States Army, is cited 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 Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Grand Ballois Farm, on 15 July 1918, Corporal Politte showed great disregard for personal safety by going out to repair telephone lines under heavy gas and shell bombardment just after several of his comrades had been killed and wounded on the same mission. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]