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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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) George Lamb Buist Rivers, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 18th Field Artillery, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fismes, France, 11 August 1918. during heavy shelling by the enemy Lieutenant Rivers, without hesitation, left the shelter of his dugout and went forward to rescue a severely wounded man. With careful deliberation he raised the wounded man, and aided by another officer and an enlisted man who had also gone forward, they carried him, under heavy fire, to a place of comparative safety, from where he was evacuated to the rear. The utter disregard for his own personal safety displayed by Lieutenant Rivers was an inspiration to the entire command.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    18th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 11, 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), First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) George L. B. Rivers, 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 the 18th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Lieutenant Rivers with Second Lieutenant Champ Carry and Private First Class McKinley Pound (Battery E), voluntarily went forward into the shell-swept area in front of the battery position and brought back Private John Simonis, Battery E, 18th Field Artillery, who was severely wounded, showing self-sacrifice and daring of a most unusual nature. This act was performed near Fismes, France, on 11 August 1918. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]