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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) Henry C. Switzer, 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 Headquarters 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the 2d Battle of the Marne, 15 July 1918, Lieutenant Switzer was in command of Company C, 30th Infantry at the time, and they were in the front line in and about Mezy, France. On the morning of 15 July, in the thick of the fighting, Lieutenant Switzer and a few of his men were captured. They found themselves without ammunition and completely surrounded by the enemy. At an opportune time, Lieutenant Switzer feigned death and made his escape. He rejoined his Company and later on in the day, the Company captured approximately 150 Germans.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    6th Infantry Brigade

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 9 (August 1, 1920)

    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 Henry C. Switzer, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant (Infantry) Switzer distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Mezy, France, 15 July 1918, while defending his position against enemy attack.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    6th Infantry Brigade

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 1 – 27, 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) Henry C. Switzer, 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 Headquarters, 6th Infantry Brigade, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Lieutenant Switzer displayed extraordinary heroism during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, 1 to 27 October 1918. Lieutenant Switzer made numerous trips, under heavy machine gun and artillery fire to the advanced positions, personally reconnoitering the front lines and bringing back invaluable information to Brigade Commander.