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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 Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Infantry) Frank Crandall Bolles, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Colonel Bolles commanded, with keen tactical ability, the 39th Infantry throughout the various campaigns in which the Fourth Division participated until the early stages of the Meuse-Argonne offensive, when he was wounded. By his exceptional ability and energetic leadership he proved to be an important factor in the successes of his command during its active operations against the enemy.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry

    Action Date:

    February 12, 1899
    War Department, General Orders No. 14 (1923)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Frank Crandall Bolles, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with 18th Infantry, in action during the attack on Jaro, Panay, Philippine Islands, 12 February 1899. Second Lieutenant Bolles exhibited conspicuous bravery and skill in handling his detachment and directing the fire of his piece. Even after he was seriously wounded in the leg he continued to encourage his men and could scarcely be prevailed upon to desist from attempting mounting his horse when so crippled as to be unable to do so.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry Regiment

    Action Date:

    1904 – 1905
    U.S. Military Academy Register of Graduates

    First Lieutenant (Infantry) Frank Crandall Bolles, United States Army, was cited for gallantry in action while serving with the 18th Infantry Regiment, in the expedition against the Moros in the Philippine Islands, from 1904 to 1905.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    39th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 26 & 28, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 14 (1923)

    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 Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Frank Crandall Bolles, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 39th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Septsarges, France, 26 September and near Bois-de-Fays, France, 28 September 1918. On 26 September Colonel Bolles personally directed the assaulting battalion of his regiment when the line was temporarily held up by hostile fire, leading the attacking troops forward to their objective. After reaching the objective, terrific hostile fire caused many casualties, and the line was beginning to waver when Colonel Bolles assisted in the reorganization of the line, and by his personal example of courage and fearlessness encouraged his men to hold in the face of the withering machine-gun and artillery fire until the flank division had advanced abreast. On 28 September he rallied his men under the sweeping fire of machine guns, minenwerfer, and artillery, and although painfully wounded, personally assisted in the reorganization of the positions.