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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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Arthur E. Westphal, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fossoy, France, 15 July 1918. In command of a Stokes mortar detachment, Lieutenant Westphal displayed marked coolness and leadership under intense enemy shell fire in so operating his guns as to stop the advance of the Germans and prevent their crossing the Marne.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    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), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Arthur E. Westphal, 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 the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, being in command of the Stokes Mortar Detachment near Fossoy, France on 15 July 1918, under intense enemy shell fire Lieutenant Westphal displayed extreme coolness and leadership, operating his guns so as to completely break up an advance of the enemy through the town of Gland and prevent their crossing the river at this point. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]