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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 First Lieutenant (Air Service) John W. Cousins, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 91st Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Conflans, France, 2 November 1918. In the course of a photographic mission of a particularly dangerous character Lieutenant Cousins and his pilot were attacked by a superior number of enemy pursuit planes. During the combat that ensued, with remarkable coolness and excellent shooting, he destroyed one of the attacking machines. Notwithstanding that the enemy aircraft continued to attack and harass them, Lieutenant Cousins and pilot reached all their objectives and returned to our lines with photographs of great military importance.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    91st Aero Squadron

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 5, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 1 (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), First Lieutenant (Air Service) John W. Cousins, United States Army Air Service, 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. First Lieutenant Cousins distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as an Observer with the 91st Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Etain, France, 5 November 1918, while on a visual reconnaissance.