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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Hospital Apprentice First Class David Ephraim Hayden, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Second Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Thiaucourt, France, 15 September 1918. During the advance, when Corporal Creed was mortally wounded while crossing an open field swept by machinegun fire, Hospital Apprentice First Class Hayden unhesitatingly ran to his assistance and, finding him so severely wounded as to require immediate attention, disregarded his own personal safety to dress the wound under intense machinegun fire, and then carried the wounded man back to a place of safety.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospital Apprentice First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    6th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 64 (1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Hospital Apprentice First Class David Ephraim Hayden, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Hospital Apprentice First Class Hayden distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Second Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action against the enemy in the St. Mihiel Sector, France, during World War I.