Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 12, 1918

    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    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 (Infantry) Otto M. Stachli, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Company K, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, throughout the Battle of the Argonne from 30 September to 12 October 1918, especially at Cierges and on Hill 253, Lieutenant Stachli’s courage and self sacrifice was responsible entirely for the aggressive spirit and success of his company. On 12 October 1918, with one platoon he captured Hill 258 which was occupied by a greatly superior number of the enemy in a strongly entrenched position of the Kriemhilde Stellung. Pistol in hand, he led his platoon by 25 yards over the crest of the Hill, captured three Germans single-handed and by his dash and daring aggressiveness, was instrumental in making 63 of the enemy surrender. He crawled into No-Man’s land and while rendering first aid to one of the enemy wounded was killed by a sniper.