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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) Joseph Brown Sanborn, 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 Sanborn Commanded the 131st Infantry, 33d Division, during all its campaigns against the enemy, displaying military leadership of a high order. His unremitting zeal and tactical skill were largely responsible for the success of his regiment in combat.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    131st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    33d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 9, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 4 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Brown Sanborn, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Colonel Sanborn distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 131st Infantry Regiment, 33d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Chipilly Ridge, France, 9 August 1918, and by his brilliant leadership of his regiment. [This award was rescinded under GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 8 (March 1, 1920) as the recipient has been awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for deed including this act.]

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    131st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    33d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 9, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 46 (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) Joseph Brown Sanborn, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while Commanding the 131st Infantry Regiment, 33d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Gressaire Wood, France, 9 August 1918. Immediately after a forced march of 25 miles, Colonel Sanborn’s regiment was ordered into a critical engagement. Hurrying to the front he personally led his forces through a heavy and concentrated shell fire, and started the attack at the exact allotted time. After launching his attack he established his post of command in a shell hole and directed the battle to a successful termination. The courage and fearlessness of Colonel Sanborn, despite his advanced age of 62 years, were remarkable to all under his command.