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 Captain George Wallis Hamilton (MCSN: 0-387), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Forty-Ninth Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. Captain Hamilton displayed the highest type of courage and leadership when on the first day of the Chateau-Thierry battle his command was under decimating fire of machine guns from the front and both flanks. All of his officers but one and most of his non-commissioned officers having been killed or wounded, he passed up and down his front line and, by his personal bravery, inspired his men to valiant and successful combat under especially difficult conditions.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain George Wallis Hamilton (MCSN: 0-387), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bois-de-Belleau, Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. While in command of Company B, Forty-Ninth Company, Fifth Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps, during the attack upon Hill 142 at 3:45 a.m., 6 June 1918, Captain Hamilton led his company to its objective. While his company was engaged in digging in, twelve enemy machine gunners stealthily approached and proceeded to set up their guns for the purpose of firing upon Captain Hamilton’s company. He discovered the enemy before the guns were in position, and, in attacking them with a bayonet, dispatched several and drove the remaining men to flight, capturing their machine guns. The undaunted bravery and soldierly conduct displayed by Captain Hamilton served to inspire the men in his regiment with increased determination and incited them to heroic endeavors.