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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Henry L. Larsen (MCSN: 0-540), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service as Battalion Commander, Third Battalion, 5th Regiment Marines. On 4 October 1918, Major Larsen’s battalion was leading in the attack made by the Fifth Marines, while operating with the 4th French Army, east of Rheims. The French troops on his left not being advanced, and the Brigade on his right being somewhat in rear of the advance, his battalion had both flanks exposed. In spite of this, his coolness and personal bravery enabled him to hold on to the ground gained. The Germans repeatedly counter-attacked, in one instance directly from his left rear, and his position throughout the whole day was under a most severe artillery and machine-gun fire. Major Larsen constantly visited the most exposed parts of his lines and encouraged his men by his inspiring example.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Action Date:

    April 28, 1942 – April 17, 1943
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Henry L. Larsen (MCSN: 0-540), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 28 April 1942 through 17 April 1943.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 25, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 9 (August 1, 1920)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Major Henry L. Larsen (MCSN: 0-540), United States Marine Corps, is cited 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. Major Larsen distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in Belleau Woods, France, 25 June 1918, while conducting a liaison group under heavy enemy fire.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Regiment:

    2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua)

    Action Date:

    April 1, 1928 – March 26, 1929
    Authority – USMC CommuniquŽ: 0540-1-3 (14 April 1931)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Major Henry L. Larsen (MCSN: 0-540), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Brigade Inspector, Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps, in Nicaragua from 1 April 1928 to 26 March 1929. Major Larsen’s duties in upbuilding and maintaining the morale of the forces, then engaged in a most difficult mission, were performed in a highly distinguished manner, always displaying zeal, activity, thorough understanding and discretion. His successful performance of these duties contributed greatly to the accomplishment of the mission of the naval forces engaged in the pacification of Nicaragua.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Action Date:

    August 1944 – July 1945
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Henry L. Larsen (MCSN: 0-540), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit (Army Award) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from August 1944 through July 1945.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4 – 5, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 3 (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), Major Henry L. Larsen (MCSN: 0-540), United States Marine Corps, is cited 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. Major Larsen distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action southeast of St. Etienne, France, 4 – 5 October 1918, and by his brilliant leadership.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    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) Major Henry L. Larsen (MCSN: 0-540), 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. Major Larsen distinguished himself while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Blanc Mont, France, 1 – 10 October 1918. (FIFTH Citation)