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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 Sergeant Albert E. Elsea (ASN: 1446131), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 129th Machine-Gun Battalion, 35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Hilsenfirst, France, 6 July 1918, while acting as machine-gun leader. Sergeant Elsea was wounded in the face by a bursting shell, but continued to direct his men until attack ended, and then insisted on walking to a dressing station.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    129th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 12 & 15, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 16 (1920)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Albert E. Elsea (ASN: 1446131), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 129th Machine-Gun Battalion, 35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, 12 October 1918. Second Lieutenant Elsea took up a position exposed to heavy machine-gun and artillery fire in order to direct the fire of his machine guns. Although knocked down twice by concussion of high-explosive shells, he continued at his position. On 15 October 1918, he gathered a squad of strugglers under fire and led them, together with his own unit, to their objectives.