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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 John J. Robinson (ASN: 540549), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Machine-Gun Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Cunel Heights, France, 12 October 1918. After three other runners had been wounded in attempting to carry a message to a platoon in advance of the front line, Corporal Robinson volunteered for this hazardous mission, and, passing 400 meters under direct machine-gun fire of the enemy, succeeded in reaching the platoon and notifying it to withdraw before our artillery barrage began to fall.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 12, 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 John J. Robinson (ASN: 540549), 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 as a Runner with the Machine Gun Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the morning of 12 October 1918, in the Cunel Heights, France, Corporal Robinson carried a message to a platoon four hundred meters in advance of the front line, the ground affording no cover and under direct machine gun fire of the enemy. He volunteered to carry this message after three of his runner comrades had been wounded and delivered it just in time to save the lives of the whole platoon. His example was an inspiration to his comrades. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]