Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal Henry W. Willard (ASN: 540996), 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 Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on 20 June 1918, when the 7th Infantry Regiment was operating against the Germans in the Bois de Belleau, Corporal Willard left his trench and proceeded 75 yards across No Man’s Land, captured an enemy machine gun which had been harassing our lines, brought the gun back to his own trench, all while under terrific machine gun and rifle fire, and finally set the gun up and trained it on the enemy. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 20, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 99 (1918)

    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 Corporal Henry W. Willard (ASN: 540996), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, on 20 June 1918. Corporal Willard went out of his position for a distance of 75 yards under heavy machine-gun fire, and by rifle fire took possession of one of the guns, brought it back, and proceeded to put it in operation against the Germans.