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 Karl Ford Kness (MCSN: 83008), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Seventeenth Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near St. Etienne, France, 4 October 1918. Private Kness volunteered and assisted a wounded comrade to get to the rear, going through an area swept by terrific machine-gun and artillery fire for a distance of more than a kilometer. He carried the wounded man the greater part of the distance.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    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 Private Karl F. Kness (MCSN: 83008), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 17th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, 4 October 1918. Private Kness volunteered and assisted a wounded comrade to get to the rear, going through an area swept by terrific machine-gun and artillery fire for a distance of more than a kilometer. He carried the wounded man the greater part of the distance.