Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Ray
A.
Messanelli

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4 – 5, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 35 (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 Pharmacist’s Mate Ray A. Messanelli, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near St. Etienne, France, October 4 – 5, 1918. Regardless of his personal danger, Pharmacist’s Mate Messanelli repeatedly exposed himself to machine-gun and shell fire to render first aid to the wounded.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1918
    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), Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Ray A. Messanelli, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Messanelli distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near St. Etienne-a-Arnes, France, 4 October 1918. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Messanelli displayed extreme courage and ability in caring for and evacuating wounded under heavy shell and machine gun fire. He showed exceptional bravery and disregard for personal safety in going out under heavy shell and machine gun fire to carry wounded comrades to a safe place from which they might be evacuated.