Navy Federal Credit Union

Evan Edwards was an Episcopalian priest, serving at a parish in St. Lawrence, Kansas, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1917, and was commissioned as a chaplain with the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. He was captured and taken prisoner by the Germans shortly before the armistice was signed, and was released two days later. He was honorably discharged on May 12, 1919, and returned to his parish in St. Lawrence, Kansas, until 1920 when he received a call to a church in Norman, Oklahoma. From 1927 to 1950 he was Rector of Saint Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    140th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I

    Headquarters, 35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 100 (November 15, 1918)

    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 (Chaplain’s Corps) Evan Alexander Edwards, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Chaplain Edwards distinguished himself while serving as Chaplain with the 140th Infantry Regiment, 35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces. He went forward and spared no efforts to care for the wounded, between the front line and the dressing station of his regiment under heavy shell fire, and without regard to his personal safety.