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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 Private First Class Luman Karl Sanford (ASN: 1551372), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Battery F, 76th Field Artillery, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Chateau-Thierry, France, July 14 – 15, 1918. During a heavy shelling Private Sanford continued to repair broken telephone lines, which were constantly being severed by shell fire, until he was killed by an enemy shell.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    76th Field Artillery 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), Private First Class Luman K. Sanford (ASN: 1551372), United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) 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 Battery F, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Private Sanford showed exceptional courage and devotion to duty near Chateau-Thierry, France, 15 July 1918. He repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire while repairing broken telephone wire. While engaged in this work he was killed. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]