Sponsored by:

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 Private Sydney G. Gest (MCSN: 843331), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Forty-Third Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, 11 June 1918. The attacking line of the Forty-Third Company being held up at one point by the fire of an enemy heavy Maxim machine gun, Private Gest, in the face of the machine-gun fire, crawled around the flank and, undaunted by grenade and rifle fire, rushed the gun crew’s nest, killing the enemy gunner and four others as they attempted to escape.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 1 – 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), Private Sydney G. Gest (MCSN: 843331), 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 Gest distinguished himself while serving with the 43d Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Blanc Mont, France, 1 to 10 October 1918.