Sponsored by:

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 Lieutenant (MC) Orlando Henderson Petty, United States Navy (Reserve Force), for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Medical Officer attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in France during the attack in the Boise de Belleau, 11 June 1918. While he was treating wounded under bombardment of gas and high-explosive shells, Lieutenant Petty was knocked down and his gas mask torn by a bursting gash shell, but he discarded his gas mask and continued his work. Later, when his dressing station was demolished by another shell, he helped carry a wounded officer through the shellfire to a place of safety.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant (MC)

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 11, 1918

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant (MC) Orlando Henderson Petty, United States Navy (Reserve Force), for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Fifth Regiment, U.S. Marines, in France during the attack in the Bois-de-Belleau, 11 June 1918. While under heavy fire of high explosive and gas shells in the town of Lucy, where his dressing station was located, Lieutenant Petty attended to and evacuated the wounded under most trying conditions. Having been knocked to the ground by an exploding gas shell which tore his mask, Lieutenant Petty discarded the mask and courageously continued his work. His dressing station being hit and demolished, he personally helped carry Captain Williams, wounded, through the shellfire to a place of safety.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant (MC)

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 11, 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), Lieutenant (MC) Orlando Henderson Petty, United States Naval Reserve, 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. Lieutenant Petty distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer with the Fifth Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at the Bois de Belleau, France, 11 June 1918. Under heavy shell fire of both high explosive and gas shells, Surgeon Petty attended to the evacuation of all wounded with extraordinary valor. Being knocked to the ground by an explosing gas shell and, tearing his mask, he discarded the mask and continued his work in a most courageous manner. When his dressing station was hit and demolished, he personally helped carry a wounded officer through the shell fire to a place of safety.