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Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Second Lieutenant (Air Service) Clinton S. Breese, United States Army, 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. Second Lieutenant Breese distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with 12th Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Buzancy, France, while on a photographic mission during World War I.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    12th Aero Squadron

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 2, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 32 (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 Second Lieutenant (Air Service) Clinton S. Breese, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 12th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Argonne, France, 2 November 1918. While on an infantry contact mission, Lieutenant Breese and his pilot were attacked by four enemy planes and driven back, but realizing the importance of their mission, deliberately returned and attacked the four planes, sending one to the earth and driving the others away. Unmindful of the damaged condition of their plane and of their own danger, they then flew for an hour within 100 meters of the ground through a continuous heavy machine-gun fire until they had accurately located our front line positions.