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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 pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant William Oscar Lowe (MCSN: 0-2803), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action east of Cunel, Verdun Sector, France, 7 October 1918 while attached as an Observer with the 90th Aero Squadron, 3d Observation Group, U.S. Army Air Service. Second Lieutenant William Lowe, while staking the advance lines of the 80th Division, was suddenly attacked by a formation of eight enemy machines (Fokker type), which dived out of a cloud bank. Although greatly outnumbered. Lieutenant Lowe succeeded in shooting down one out of control and disabling a second so that it was forced to land. Later, on the same mission, he was again attacked by a patrol of five enemy scout machines, and in a running fight he drove these off and successfully completed his mission.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    90th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Observation Group

    Division:

    Army Air Service (Attached)

    Action Date:

    October 7, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant William O. Lowe (MCSN: 0-2803), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action east of Cunel, Verdun Sector, France, 7 October 1918 while attached as an Observer with the 90th Aero Squadron, 3d Observation Group, U.S. Army Air Service. Second Lieutenant William Lowe, while staking the advance lines of the 80th Division, was suddenly attacked by a formation of eight enemy machines (Fokker type), which dived out of a cloud bank. Although greatly outnumbered. Lieutenant Lowe succeeded in shooting down one out of control and disabling a second so that it was forced to land. Later, on the same mission, he was again attacked by a patrol of five enemy scout machines, and in a running fight he drove these off and successfully completed his mission.