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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 Captain (Infantry) Laurence Hawley Watres, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 108th Machine-Gun Battalion, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Baslieux, France, 5 September 1918. Under heavy enemy machine-gun fire, Captain Watres took command of Company D, 109th Infantry, which was without officers and was greatly disorganized in a position to his rear. He led the company, together with some of his own men to the attack, killing a number of the enemy, taking others prisoners, and capturing several machine gun nests.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    108th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 5, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 5 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain (Infantry) Lawrence H. Watres, 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. Captain Watres distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 108th Machine-Gun Battalion, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Baslieux, France, 5 September 1918, in assuming command of a disorganized company in addition to his own and brilliantly leading both companies forward. [This award was rescinded under GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 8 (March 1, 1920) as the recipient has been awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for deed including this act.]