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The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Major Edward B. Cole (MCSN: 0-2153), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, on 6 June 1918. Major Cole’s unusual heroism in leading his company under heavy fire enabled it to fight with exceptional effectiveness. He personally worked fearlessly until he was mortally wounded.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    6th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – July 10, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Major Edward B. Cole (MCSN: 0-2153), United States Marine Corps, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Major Cole distinguished himself while serving with the Sixth Machine-Gun Battalion, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June – 10 July 1918.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    6th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 119 (1918)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major Edward Ball Cole (MCSN: 0-2153), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Sixth Machine-Gun Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, on 6 June 1918. Major Cole’s unusual heroism in leading his company under heavy fire enabled it to fight with exceptional effectiveness. He personally worked fearlessly until he was mortally wounded.