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 Captain (Infantry) Alfred William Bjornstad, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with 13th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in action south of Manila, Philippine Islands, 13 August 1898. Though wounded, Captain Bjornstad commanded a firing line at a critical stage of the combat and continued to command and encourage his men after having been wounded a second time, until he was compelled to be removed from the field.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Division:

    Army General Staff College, Langres, France

    Action Date:

    World War I
    War Department, General Orders No. 80 (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 Alfred W. Bjornstad, 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. As Director of the Army General Staff College at Langres, General Bjornstad organized and conducted the institution during the first and second courses. Although he was without adequate material or personnel, by the energy and great efforts he put forth he established a school which provided our armies with staff officers in a minimum of time.