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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 Mark Tonks (ASN: 543116), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States at Fossoy, France, 15 July 1918. After having been painfully wounded by shrapnel, Private Tonks refused to go to the rear for treatment, but remained at his post until finally wounded by another shell.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry 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 Mark Tonks (ASN: 543116), 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 Company M, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on 15 July 1918, near Fossoy, France, although he had a finger shattered by a piece of shrapnel and was in great pain, Private Tonks refused to go to the hospital but remained at his post until fatally wounded by another bullet. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]