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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) Robert Gaily Woodside, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Les Franquette Farm, near Jaulgonne, France, 22 July 1918. Captain Woodside rallied the men of one platoon of his company who were falling back in disorder, reformed them under heavy enemy shell and machine-gun fire, and led them to the left front of the battalion sector and engaged the attacking enemy. His prompt action stopped an enveloping movement of the enemy which imperiled the position of the battalion.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15 – 17, 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), Captain (Infantry) Robert G. Woodside, 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 Commanding Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Captain Woodside displayed conspicuously meritorious service in action in the Surmelin Valley near Connigis, France, 15 to 17 July 1918. Captain Woodside displayed exceptional bravery and fine leadership when his company was repeatedly attacked by a large part of a German regiment during the two days and nights of almost incessant fighting. Through the force of his own courageous example he led his men to the successful repulse of the attacks, taking many prisoners and never yielding any ground assigned to him for defense.