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 Acting Chaplain Murray Bartlett, Secretary, Y.M.C.A., a United States Civilian, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as acting assistant chaplain in Villers-Tournelle, France, May 1918 and in the Chazelle Ravine, south of Soissons, France, 22 July 1918. Voluntarily assuming the duties of Chaplain, 18th Infantry, Mr. Murray displayed conspicuous bravery in caring for the wounded and burying the dead of his regiment under intense enemy fire, working constantly with the advanced elements of the command until 22 July 1918, when he was seriously wounded while in close proximity to the front line. His cheerful, heroic energy and indifference to personal danger exerted a profound effect upon the morale of the men of his regiment and inspired them to many deeds of gallantry and supreme devotion to duty.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Civilian

    Rank:

    Secretary (Acting Chaplain)

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 20, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 2 (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), Acting Chaplain Murray Simpson Bartlett, Secretary, Y.M.C.A., a United States Civilian, 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. Chaplain Bartlett distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 18th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Soissons, France, 20 July 1918, in caring for the wounded under heavy enemy bombardment.