Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant Colonel Harry R. Lay (MCSN: 0-543), 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. Lieutenant Colonel Lay distinguished himself while serving with Headquarters, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Regiment:

    4th Brigade (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 18, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Harry R. Lay (MCSN: 0-543), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 4th Brigade (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Vierzy, France, 18 July 1918. Lieutenant Colonel Lay, attached to the staff of the 4th Brigade, pressed forward and was with the foremost waves in the capture of the town. He was zealous, cool and courageous, and was an inspiration to the men. Colonel Lay with six men detached from their companies, rounded up and took to the rear eight hundred German prisoners. He then returned and gave himself to forwarding the success of the attack without any regard to his personal safety. It is considered that Lieutenant Colonel Lay displayed extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty.