Sponsored by:

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 Colonel (Infantry) LaRoy Sunderland Upton, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France, July 18 – 19, 1918. Colonel Upton’s regiment having suffered heavy casualties in its first attack on July 18, 1918, and he having received orders to attack a second time, Colonel Upton reformed his command and conducted the second attack in person, until stopped by darkness. His line being broken by a gap in its center, all of his battalion commanders being killed or wounded, and all of his reserves being in the thinly held line, he established his command post on the extreme front at the right of the gap and remained there for 24 hours under steady and intense artillery bombardment and machine-gun fire, holding his position until his regiment was relieved. his presence and his example of fearlessness inspired his weakened line thus to guard the unprotected flank of the whole advance and beat off a violent counterattack.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    57th Infantry Brigade

    Division:

    29th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    War Department, General Orders No. 59 (1919)

    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 Brigadier General LaRoy Sunderland Upton, 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. General Upton Commanded with conspicuous ability the 9th Infantry in the trench sector south of Verdun and in all its operations before Chateau-Thierry. In the campaign north of Verdun, in October 1918, as Commander of the 57th Infantry Brigade, 29th Division, he exhibited qualities of brilliant leadership, successfully participating in the battles at Molleville Farm, Grand Montagne, Etraye, and in those east of the Meuse. At all times he remained near his front lines, personally directing the attacks and serving as a constant inspiration to his men.