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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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Ferdinand Hans Henry Prien (ASN: 101852), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company I, 168th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Beney, France, 12 September 1918. While advancing with his platoon Corporal Prien located a well-defended enemy machine-gun nest manned by fourteen men. With utter disregard of his own safety he fearlessly advanced through heavy enemy machine-gun fire and single-handedly attacked the machine-gun nest killing or capturing the entire crew.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    168th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 28, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 5 (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), Private Ferdinand H. H. Prien (ASN: 101852), 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. Private Prien distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 168th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Sergy, France, 28 July 1918, in assuming command of a disorganized squad and leading it forward in the advance.