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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Joseph Enoch Olsen (MCSN: 91068), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 77th Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, 3 October 1918. While his platoon was following the advance of an infantry platoon, which had become separated, Private Olsen was seriously wounded in the foot by machine-gun fire. At the edge of heavy brushwood, a company of German infantry was encountered; and Private Olsen, who had been forced to fall some distance behind, rushed forward as best he could and set up his tripod, acting as loader until the enemy was repulsed.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    6th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 23 (1919)

    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 Joseph Enoch Olsen (MCSN: 91068), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Seventy-Seventh Company, Sixth Machine-Gun Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near St. Etienne, France, 3 October 1918. While his platoon was following the advance of an infantry platoon, which had become separated, Private Olsen was seriously wounded in the foot by machine-gun fire. At the edge of heavy brushwood, a company of German infantry was encountered; and Private Olsen, who had been forced to fall some distance behind, rushed forward as best he could and set up his tripod, acting as loader until the enemy was repulsed.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    6th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 11, 1918
    Citation Orders No. 88, 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), Private Joseph Enoch Olsen (MCSN: 91068), 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. Private Olsen distinguished himself while serving with the 77th Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I.