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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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Major William J. Geary (MCSN: 89958), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Headquarters Detachment, Fourth Brigade (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Belleau Wood, France, June 25 – 26, 1918. Having voluntarily and of his own initiative requested authority to join an attacking company, Sergeant Major Geary was killed while gallantly leading his platoon forward against the enemy.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant Major

    Regiment:

    4th Brigade (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – July 10, 1918
    Authority: Blakeney (2d Division, A.E.F. Orders)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Sergeant Major William J. Geary (MCSN: 89958/119309), 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. Sergeant Major Geary distinguished himself while serving with Headquarters Detachment, Fourth Brigade (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June – 10 July 1918. (SECOND Citation)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant Major

    Regiment:

    4th Brigade (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – July 10, 1918
    Authority: Blakeney (2d Division, A.E.F. Orders)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Sergeant Major William J. Geary (MCSN: 89958/119309), 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. Sergeant Major Geary distinguished himself while serving with Headquarters Detachment, Fourth Brigade (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June – 10 July 1918. (THIRD Citation)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant Major

    Regiment:

    4th Brigade (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 25, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 2 (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), Sergeant Major William J. Geary (MCSN: 89958/119309), United States Marine Corps, is cited (Posthumously) 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. Sergeant Major Geary distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Detachment, 4th Brigade (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on the night of 25 June 1918, in leading an attack in the north end of Bois de Belleau. (FIRST Citation)