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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 Captain (Armor) Harry Hodges Semmes, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Tank Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, near Vauquois, France, 26 September 1918. Captain Semmes left his tank under severe rifle fire and personally reconnoitered a passage for his tank across the German trenches, remaining dismounted until the last tank had passed. While so engaged he was severely wounded.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Armor)

    Division:

    Tank Corps, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 35 (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 Captain (Armor) Harry Hodges Semmes, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Tank Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, near Xivray, France, 12 September 1918. During the operations along the Rupt de Mad, Captain Semmes’ tank fell into the water and was completely submerged. Upon escaping through the turret door and finding that his driver was still in the tank, Captain Semmes returned and rescued the driver under machine-gun fire.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry)

    Regiment:

    66th Armored Regiment

    Division:

    2d Armored Division

    Action Date:

    November 9, 1943
    Allied Force Headquarters, General Orders No. 28 (December 15, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Harry Hodges Semmes (ASN: 0-900733), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations in the face of an armed enemy while serving with 66th Armored Regiment, 2d Armored Division, in action against enemy forces near Mehdia, French Morocco, on 9 November 1943. Ordered to protect the flank of a unit in action, with only six light tanks at his disposal, Lieutenant Colonel Semmes led this attack and then left his tank to personally direct the disposition of his force, with utter disregard for his own safety. Lieutenant Colonel Semmes’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.