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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Second Lieutenant Vern Austin Coverdell (MCSN: 0-2180), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Machine-Gun Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near St. Etienne, France, on 4 October 1918. After being wounded, Lieutenant Coverdell dressed his own wounds and those of three men near him under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. He reorganized his platoon, strengthened his position, and made a written report before allowing himself to be evacuated.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Vern A. Coverdell (MCSN: 0-2180), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Machine-Gun Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, on 4 October 1918. After being wounded, Lieutenant Coverdell dressed his own wounds and those of three men near him under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. He reorganized his platoon, strengthened his position, and made a written report before allowing himself to be evacuated.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 2 – 9, 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) Second Lieutenant Vern A. Coverdell (MCSN: 0-2180), 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. Second Lieutenant Coverdell distinguished himself while serving with the Machine-Gun Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at St. Etienne, France, 2 – 9 October 1918.