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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 Major (Infantry) Archibald Gourley Thacher, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 306th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at St. Juvin, France, 14 October 1918. While commanding the 2d Battalion in a flank march across the Aire River, Major Thacher, acting with the greatest gallantry and with utter disregard for his own safety, personally made a reconnaissance in the face of heavy hostile machine-gun and shell fire, well in advance of his battalion, thereby saving his command from heavy losses. It was due to his thorough reconnaissance that his subsequent successful attack on this strong hostile position was consummated.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    306th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    77th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 14, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 9 (August 1, 1920)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Major (Infantry) Archibald G. Thacher, 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. Major Thacher distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 306th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near St. Juvin, France, 14 October 1918, while making a reconnaissance under fire.