Sponsored by:

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 Gunnery Sergeant Martis Sanders Rodgers (Rogers) (MCSN: 72737), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Forty-Seventh Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near the Champagne Sector, France, 4 October 1918. Even after being wounded, Gunnery Sergeant Rodgers volunteered and led a patrol into “No Man’s Land” and succeeded in returning with four wounded comrades. After his platoon commander had been wounded, he assumed command and led the men through the most trying and difficult conditions, until a second wound forced his removal to the rear.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Gunnery Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunnery Sergeant Martis Sanders Rodgers (Rogers) (MCSN: 72737), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 47th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near the Champagne Sector, France, 4 October 1918. Even after being wounded, Gunnery Sergeant Rodgers volunteered and led a patrol into “No Man’s Land” and succeeded in returning with four wounded comrades. After his platoon commander had been wounded, he assumed command and led the men through the most trying and difficult conditions, until a second wound forced his removal to the rear.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Gunnery Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 1 – 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), Gunnery Sergeant Martis Sanders Rodgers (Rogers) (MCSN: 72737), 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. Gunnery Sergeant Rodgers distinguished himself while serving with the 47th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Blanc Mont, France, 1 to 10 October 1918.