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 Private Joseph Nichols Viera (MCSN: 88559), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Seventy-Eighth Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Blanc Mont, France, 3 October 1918. After assisting in the capture of three machine-gun nests, Private Viera, with another soldier, went into a dugout when the occupants refused to come out and captured forty of the enemy.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Joe Nichols Viera (MCSN: 88559), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 78th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Blanc Mont, France, 3 October 1918. After assisting in the capture of three machine-gun nests, Private Viera, with another soldier, went into a dugout when the occupants refused to come out and captured forty of the enemy.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    Sixth 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), Private Joe Nichols Viera (MCSN: 88559), 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 Viera distinguished himself while serving with the 78th Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Blanc Mont, France, 1 – 10 October 1918.