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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 Corporal William Lawrence Griffin (MCSN: 85193), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Forty-Fifth Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. Killed in action, Corporal Griffin gave the supreme proof of that extraordinary heroism which will serve as an example to hitherto untried troops.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    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), Corporal William L. Griffin (MCSN: 85193), 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. Corporal Griffin distinguished himself while serving with the 45th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal William L. Griffin (MCSN: 85193), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 45th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. Killed in action, Corporal Griffin gave the supreme proof of that extraordinary heroism which will serve as an example to hitherto untried troops.