Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 20 – 21, 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 Walter T. Spencer (ASN: 2337587), 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 4th Infantry Machine Gun Company, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Claire Chenes Woods, France, on 20 and 21 October 1918, Sergeant Spencer served his two machine guns against heavy counterattacks, and in the latter attack until one of his guns was hit, and all of both crews, with the exception of one man, killed. During both attacks Sergeant Spencer was under direct observation and under heavy fire from 37/s and 77’s but stayed with his guns in an exposed corner of the woods. Sergeant Spender’s devotion to duty and his exceptional bravery in keeping his guns in action broke up two counterattacks, either of which might have resulted in the loss of the woods.