Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    168th Aero Squadron

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 4, 1918

    War Department, General Orders 7 (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 First Lieutenant (Air Service) Rodney Moore Armstrong, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 168th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., on 4 November 1918. As pilot of a DH-4 plane, Lieutenant Armstrong flew an Infantry contact machine over the lines of the 7th Division 4 November 1918. Owing to low clouds and rain, he crossed the line at 1, 000 feet in order to enable his observer to locate the position more accurately. While on the enemy’s side, he was wounded by an explosive bullet. In spite of his wound and weakness, he continued his mission, coming down to within 500 feet of the enemy’s machine guns and troops, until his observer had signaled him that the mission was completed.