Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Willard E. Pauley (MCSN: 74490), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 15th Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Bois-de-Belleau, France, on 2 June 1918. Private Pauley showed the greatest determination and courage when he maintained communication between the firing line and his headquarters by visual signaling. Knocked down twice, he remained at his post in the open for several hours under heavy shell fire.

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:

    June 2, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 107 (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 Private Willard E. Pauley (MCSN: 74490), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Fifteenth Company, Sixth Machine-Gun Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action at Bois-de-Belleau, France, on 2 June 1918. Private Pauley showed the greatest determination and courage when he maintained communication between the firing line and his headquarters by visual signaling. Knocked down twice, he remained at his post in the open for several hours under heavy shell fire.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    6th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – July 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), Private Willard E. Pauley (MCSN: 74490), 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 Pauley distinguished himself while serving with the 15th Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June – 10 July 1918.