Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Major Frank King (ASN: 544360), United States Army, is cited 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 the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the night of July 14, 1918, while escorting the runner of the 2d Battalion to an advance Post of Command on the Marne, Sergeant Major King displayed great skill and presence of mind. He stayed at his post throughout the bombardment and although gassed, assisted and directed others in their various duties. He refused to be evacuated until the regiment was relieved.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant Major

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15 – 18, 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), Sergeant Major Frank King (ASN: 544360), United States Army, is cited 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 the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and in charge of liaison of Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, Sergeant Major King displayed great courage and resourcefulness throughout the preparatory fire of the Champagne-Marne Defensive, 15 to 18 July 1918, in the Bois d’Aigremont, near Crezancy, France, maintaining at all times close liaison with all units of the 2d Battalion and adjoining troops by runners after his Battalion had been enveloped in the first phase of preparatory fire without any means of cover while advancing to the relief of the first line Battalion. Through his ability in handling soldiers, his encouragement and his continuous exposure to shell fire, the morale of the Battalion Headquarters Runners was ever of a high degree and was a factor in the turning of a defensive to an offensive operation. Sergeant Major King remained on duty continuously until gassed, necessitating his evacuation to the rear.