Navy Federal Credit Union

Richard Shelby was credited with 4 aerial victories in World War I.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    139th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 10, 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 First Lieutenant (Air Service) Richard D. Shelby, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 139th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Verdun, France, 10 October 1918. Lieutenant Shelby encountered six enemy planes at a very low altitude strafing our trenches. He immediately attacked and dispersed the enemy planes and by skillful maneuvering brought one of the planes down just behind his own lines.