Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant Commander (MC) Wrey Gilmore Farwell, United States Navy, is cited for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Lieutenant Commander Farwell distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. When his regimental commander was wounded by a sniper’s bullet, Lieutenant Commander Farwell personally supervised his evacuation across a wheat field exposed to fire from machine guns and snipers. Gas shells exploded in the vicinity, further endangering the life of his wounded colonel. Successful evacuation under these trying conditions proved his ability to meet an emergency quickly and completely. This was on 6 June 1918. As Regimental Surgeon his work in caring for and evacuating the wounded between 1 to 8 June 1918, demanded the qualities of self sacrifice and fidelity to duty much of which was performed under heavy shell fire.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander (MC)

    Regiment:

    6th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1918

    War Department, General Orders 7 (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 Lieutenant Commander (MC) Wrey Gilmore Farwell, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Medical Officer attached to the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, 6 June 1918. Lieutenant Commander Farwell voluntarily exceeded the demand of duty be personally supervising the evacuation of his wounded commanding officer across a field under fire from machine guns and snipers.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander (MC)

    Regiment:

    6th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander (MC) Wray G. Farwell, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism under fire on 6 June 1918, while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. When his regimental commander was wounded by a sniper’s bullet, he personally supervised his evacuation across a field exposed to fire of machine guns and snipers.