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) Walter Rolls Lawson, 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. First Lieutenant Lawson distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as an Observer with the 91st Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in the St. Mihiel area, France, on 12 – 16 September 1918, in volunteering to fly over the enemy lines and secure valuable information although convalescent from a serious wound.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ServiceRank:
Captain (Air Service)Batallion:
91st Aero SquadronDivision:
American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
July 30 & September 13, 1918
War Department, General Orders No. 21 (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 Captain (Air Service) Walter Ralls Lawson, United States Army Air Service, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 91st Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near St. Mihiel, France, July 30 and 13 September 1918. Captain Lawson showed rare courage on a reconnaissance far over the enemy lines when he continued on his mission after being seriously wounded by anti-aircraft fire. On 13 September although he was still convalescing from his wound, he volunteered for a particularly dangerous mission requiring a flight of 75 kilometers within the enemy lines. Because of weather conditions he was forced to fly at a dangerously low altitude and was repeatedly fired on by anti-aircraft and machine guns. He successfully accomplished his mission and returned with important information.