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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 Sergeant Harry V. Sessions (ASN: 1550806), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Battery D, 76th Field Artillery, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, France, October 5 – 11 November 1918. When his battery, in direct support of the Infantry in front of Romagne, suffered 35 percent casualties, Sergeant Sessions continually exposed himself to violent artillery and machine-gun fire in order to maintain the morale of his section. Wounded early in November, he concealed this fact and although suffering greatly continued effectively to command his section, and refused to be relieved until after the armistice when he collapsed and was ordered evacuated.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    76th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 5 – November 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), Sergeant Harry V. Sessions (ASN: 1550806), 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 Battery D, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Sergeant Sessions displayed extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty during the battles of the Argonne and across the Meuse, 5 October to 11 November 1918. Although wounded and gassed and suffering greatly, he concealed this fact and continued to command his section, delivering the most effective fire during these important engagements and refused to be relieved until he collapsed, and was ordered evacuated by his commanding officer. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]