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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) William Franklin Harrell, 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 Harrell served through all operations of the 1st Division in this war, and at all times was conspicuous for his courage, judgment, and leadership. As Battalion and Regimental Commander in the 16th Infantry Regiment, he distinguished himself by his exceptional energetic and efficient command of his units. During the rapid advance of the 1st Division upon Sedan he carried out a most difficult mission of the Division in that he successfully covered its right flank in a night march of about 20 kilometers, across broken country, in the face of the enemy. Herein he exhibited the qualities of a most able commander.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    16th 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 Colonel (Infantry) William Franklin Harrell, United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during World War I. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel (Infantry) Harrell, 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:

    Colonel (Infantry), [then Major]

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 44 (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 Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] William Franklin Harrell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Commanding Officer, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Apremont, France, 4 October 1918. Colonel Harrell showed extraordinary coolness under fire in the battle of the Argonne. When one portion of his battalion was held up by machine-gun fire he went forward to the most advanced elements, reorganized them, and carried the objective, but was severely wounded while in the execution of his mission.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1942 – 1943

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Franklin Harrell, United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1942 to 1943.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    Headquarters, 1st Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 3 (1919)

    (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 Colonel (Infantry) William Franklin Harrell, United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during World War I. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel (Infantry) Harrell, 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.