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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private James E. Cole (MCSN: 85158), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Twenty-Third Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Beaumont, France, on 10 November 1918. Private Cole was painfully wounded in the foot by a bursting shell which killed or wounded all the members of his gun crew, but, as soon as he had obtained first aid treatment, he immediately returned to his comrades and worked all night under heavy shell fire at carrying the wounded to the dressing station.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    6th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 30 – November 11, 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), Private James E. Cole (MCSN: 85158), United States Marine Corps, is cited 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. Private Cole distinguished himself while serving with the Twenty-Third Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces during the Meuse-Argonne Campaign, France, 30 September to 11 November 1918.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    6th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 10, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 32 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private James E. Cole (MCSN: 85158), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Seventy-Fifth Company, Sixth Machine-Gun Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Beaumont, France, on 10 November 1918. Private Cole was painfully wounded in the foot by a bursting shell which killed or wounded all the members of his gun crew, but, as soon as he had obtained first aid treatment, he immediately returned to his comrades and worked all night under heavy shell fire at carrying the wounded to the dressing station.