Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
Kenneth
Whitson
August 1, 1891

–

October 17, 1982

Cemetery:

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Robert Whitson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1916. He retired as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    Headquarters, 1st Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 44 (1918)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Robert Kenneth Whitson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in France, during World War I. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Whitson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 19, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 15 (1919)

    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) Robert Kenneth Whitson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France. 19 July 1918. When his major was killed, Captain Whitson took command of his battalion and, although wounded, led it forward for the succeeding three days to its final objective, and, although wounded again, refused to be evacuated until he had directed the consolidation of his position.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    Headquarters, 1st Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 1 (1920)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Robert Kenneth Whitson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in France, during World War I. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Whitson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.