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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunnery Sergeant Herman Tharau (MCSN: 67450), 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, 18 July 1918. While out with a reconnoitering party to establish liaison with the company to his right, Sergeant Tharau captured a machine gun and killed the crew.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Gunnery Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    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), Gunnery Sergeant Herman Tharau (MCSN: 67450), United States Marine Corps, is cited (Posthumously) 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 Tharau distinguished himself while serving with the 55th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Gunnery Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    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), Gunnery Sergeant Herman Tharau (MCSN: 67450), United States Marine Corps, is cited (Posthumously) 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 Tharau distinguished himself while serving with the 55th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Gunnery Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 18, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 132 (1918)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant Herman Tharau (MCSN: 67450), 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, 18 July 1918. While out with a reconnoitering party to establish liaison with the company to his right, Sergeant Tharau captured a machine gun and killed the crew.