Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Robertson
Farmer
July 19, 1867

–

April 11, 1958

Cemetery:

Homewood Cemetery

William Farmer was the son of a Presbyterian minister. He was a graduate of Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania, and Western Theological Seminary, and was ordained a Presbyterian minister. After a year at Rehoboth Presbyterian Church in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, he was called to the Edgewood Church and served there for eleven years before returning to the seminary as a professor of the New Testament. He took post gradate training in theology at the University of Marburg, Germany. As a civilian minister working with the Y.M.C.A. during World War I, he served the men of the 5th Regiment (Marines) in France. After the war he served for several years as summer pastor of the Community Church of Hyannis port, Massachusetts, and served as interim pastor of the East Liberty Presbyterian church, Shadyside Presbyterian Church, and Sixth Church, among others. He was guest professor of preaching at Princeton Theological Seminary, and received honorary degrees from Washington & Jefferson College, and served on that college’s board of trustees. He also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Waynesburg, College.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Civilian

    Rank:

    Reverend

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)(Attached)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 87 (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 Reverend William Robertson Farmer, a United States Civilian, for extraordinary heroism in action while a member of the Y.M.C.A., while serving as a chaplain attached to the Third Battalion, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Blanc Mont Ridge, France, 4 October 1918. Reverend Farmer voluntarily established an advanced dressing station under enemy machine-gun and artillery fire. He continued to render first aid until forced back by a threatened counterattack, at which time her personally assisted two seriously wounded men to the first-aid station, then returning to the line and remaining with the unit until it was relieved.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Civilian

    Rank:

    Reverend

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines) (Attached)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 88 (1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Reverend William Robertson Farmer, Secretary, Y.M.C.A., a United States Civilian, is cited by the Commanding General of the 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Reverend Farmer distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 3d Battalion, 5th Regiment (Marines) (Attached), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in France, during World War II.