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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Bernard William Montag (MCSN: 84729), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 55th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Vierzy, France, 19 July 1918. Corporal Montag and three comrades, Privates McIntyre, Messinger, and Wood, captured a machine gun which was holding up the company of Marines, killing the entire crew. To accomplish this hazardous and daring work it was necessary for them to expose themselves to the fire of this gun. Even though Corporal Montag and Privates McIntyre and Messinger were wounded during the advance, the party continued forward and succeeded.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 18 – 22, 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), Corporal Bernard William Montag (MCSN: 84729), 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. Corporal Montag distinguished himself while serving with the 55th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Soissons, France, 18 to 22 July 1918.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 19, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 117 (1918)

    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 Corporal Bernard William Montag (MCSN: 84729), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Fifty-Fifth Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Vierzy, France, 19 July 1918. Corporal Montag and Privates McIntyre, Messinger, and Wood, captured a machine gun which was holding up the Fifty-Fifth Company of Marines, killing the entire crew. To accomplish this hazardous and daring work it was necessary for them to expose themselves to the fire of this gun. Even though Corporal Montag and Privates McIntyre and Messinger were wounded during the advance, the party continued forward and succeeded.