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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 Sergeant James Whalen (ASN: 57193), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cantigny, France, 28 May 1918. During an enemy counterattack Sergeant Whalen led a small group forward to a shell hole about 50 yards in front of his company position. Although wounded, he kept an automatic rifle in action. At this new position he assisted in breaking up the enemy attack.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    28th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    May 27 – 31, 1918
    Headquarters, 1st Division, A.E.F., General Orders No. 26 (June 15, 1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant James Whalen, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Sergeant Whalen distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 28th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. Sergeant Whalen recovered a badly wounded comrade from in front of our line of surveillance and carried him through heavy machine gun fire to the rear, showing remarkable courage and endurance; he was struck by a machine gun bullet while engaged in this devoted action.