Sponsored by:

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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Augustus Massenburg Trotter, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Belleau Wood, France, 21 June 1918. Lieutenant Trotter gallantly led his platoon through heavy machine-gun fire in an attack on a strongly fortified enemy position. His platoon suffered heavy casualties, but he pushed forward until shot down near the enemy position.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 21, 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), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Augustus M. Trotter, 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 the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on 21 June 1918, during the attack on the Bois de Belleau, France, after most of his platoon had been pout out of action by machine guns, Lieutenant Trotter shot a sniper out of a tree with his pistol, rallied his men and continued to advance against machine gun fire until he, himself, was killed. He died exhorting his men to advance. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]