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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), Corporal Henry Wirtz (ASN: 545063), 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 Machine Gun Company, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Corporal Wirtz took the place of gunner when the regular gunner had been killed by rifle grenade, and the leader severely wounded. He stayed at the gun under rifle and grenade fire for over 5 hours and continued to resist the oncoming enemy near Mezy, France, on 15 July 1918.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 5 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal Henry Wirtz (ASN: 545063), 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. Corporal Wirtz distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Machine Gun Company, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Mezy, France, 15 July 1918, in alone remaining at his gun for a period of five hours and firing at the enemy.