SCHIANI, ALFRED
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
18th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 13, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Alfred Schiani, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the 18th Company, 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the Bois-de- Belleau, France, June
13, 1918. Severely wounded at the beginning of the attack, Private Schiani, an
automatic rifle carrier, continued to advance, carrying two pouches of
ammunition until he fell unconscious.
Born: at Brooklyn, New York
Home Town: Newark, New Jersey
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
*SCHNEIDER, JOHN G., JR.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John G. Schneider, Jr., First Lieutenant, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 6th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near the Forest of Argonne, France,
November 1, 1918. Although he was painfully wounded, First Lieutenant Schneider
continued to advance with his command until he was wounded a second time.
Born: at St. Joseph, Missouri
Home Town: St. Joseph, Missouri
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SCHREECH, GEORGE WALTER
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
82d Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to George Walter Schreech, Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 82d Company, 6th
Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Bayonville, France,
November 1, 1918. Corporal Schreech volunteered and went forward to reconnoiter
a ravine infested with hostile machine-gun and artillery positions, returning
with several prisoners.
Born: at Kansas, Illinois
Home Town: Indianapolis, Indiana
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
*SCHWAB, VINCENT M.
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
8th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Vincent M. Schwab, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps,
for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 8th Company, 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Chateau-Thierry, France, June 6,
1918. Killed in action, Sergeant Schwab gave the supreme proof of that
extraordinary heroism which will serve as an example to hitherto untried troops.
Born: at Germany Home Town: St. Louis, Missouri
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SCOTT, MILTON R.
Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
17th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Milton R. Scott, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 17th Company, 5th
Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France,
October 4, 1918. After being severely wounded Gunnery Sergeant Scott continued
to assist in consolidating the position of his platoon, later placing himself in
an exposed position in order to gain good observation for sniping enemy
machine-gun positions.
Born: at La Monte, Missouri
Home Town: La Monte, Missouri
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SEIGRIST, HOBART A.
Sergeant Major, U.S. Marine Corps
4th Brigade (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Hobart A. Seigrist, Sergeant Major, U.S. Marine
Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service as Sergeant Major
of the 4th Brigade (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. Sergeant Major Seigrist
assumed the duties of Sergeant Major during one of the bitter attacks of the
Brigade in the Bois-de-Belleau, and discharged them to the entire satisfaction
of the Brigade Commander. Since then he has distinguished himself by his
efficient, energetic, and unselfish devotion to duty, under severe conditions
and without sleep for days and nights, particularly in the operations in
Champagne and north of Argonne.
SEITZ, LESTER EARL
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
43d Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Lester Earl Seitz, Private, U.S. Marine Corps,
for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 43d Company, 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Blanc Mont, France, October 3 - 5,
1918. After being struck in the leg by shrapnel, Private Seitz continued to act
as stretcher bearer for two days and nights under heavy artillery and
machine-gun fire, carrying wounded comrades to the first-aid station.
Born: at Fincastle, Ohio
Home Town: McArthur, Ohio
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SELLERS, JAMES MCB
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
80th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to James McB Sellers, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 80th Company, 6th
Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action June 6, 1918, at Bouresches,
France. At a critical period of the attack, First Lieutenant Sellers was
selected to transport a message of the extreme importance of which he was
cognizant. In order to execute his mission he had to pass through a heavy
artillery bombardment of high-explosive and gas shells. Although seriously
wounded while making the trip, he successfully executed his mission.
Born: at Lexington, Missouri
Home Town: Lexington, Missouri
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SEXTON, FRED LEO
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
82d Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Fred Leo Sexton, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the 82d Company, 6th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Bayonville, France, November 1,
1918. Exposing himself to enemy fire, Private Sexton, with another soldier,
courageously advanced ahead of their platoon and captured five machine-guns and
fourteen prisoners.
Born: at Osage, Iowa
Home Town: Osage, Iowa
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SHEAFF, DONALD RAMSAY
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
80th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Donald Ramsay Sheaff, Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 80th Company, 6th
Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the Bois-de-Belleau,
France, on June 6, 1918. In delivering messages, Corporal Sheaff voluntarily
chose the most direct route, although it was through a machine-gun barrage, to
deliver information which prevented the bombardment of positions that had just
been occupied. He took the path of danger to save his comrades.
Born: at Colorado, Texas
Home Town: Colorado, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SHEARER, MAURICE E.
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 25, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Maurice E. Shearer, Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d
Division, A.E.F. in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, June 25, 1918. Major
Shearer displayed conspicuous courage, going forward at the head of his command,
during the attack. Personally going along the front line after the objective had
been reached, Major Shearer encouraged his men and directed the repulse of a
counter-attack by the enemy. During the encounter his battalion took over 200
prisoners and 19 machine-guns.
Born: at Marion County, Indiana
Home Town: Indianapolis, Indiana
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SHEPHERD, LEMUEL C.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 3, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Lemuel C. Shepherd, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines),
2d Division, A.E.F. in action on June 3, 1918, near the Lucy-Torcy Roads,
France. First Lieutenant Shepherd declined medical treatment after being wounded
and continued courageously to lead his men.
Born: 2/10/1896 at Norfolk, Virginia
Home Town: Norfolk, Virginia
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SHEPHERD, ROYAL HAMILTON CLATER
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
95th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 19, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Royal Hamilton Clater Shepherd, Private, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 95th Company, 6th
Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Tigny, France, July 19,
1918. Private Shepherd entered the action with badly burned foot, which fact he
concealed from his officers. Shot through the shoulder early in the advance and
unable to hold his position in the firing line, he carried wounded men to
shelter for six hours, all of the time under heavy fire of the enemy. He yielded
to treatment himself only when he had become exhausted from the effects of his
injury.
Born: at Oaklawn, Illinois
Home Town: Houston, Texas
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
*SHERMAN, STEPHEN GEORGE
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
20th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Stephen George Sherman, Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 20th Company, 5th
Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Chateau-Thierry, France,
June 6, 1918. Killed in action, Sergeant Sherman gave the supreme proof of that
extraordinary heroism which will serve as an example to hitherto untried troops.
Born: at Minneapolis, Minnesota
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SHOWERS, WILLIAM LESTER
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
47th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4 - 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to William Lester Showers, Private, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 47th Company, 5th
Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France,
October 4 - 6, 1918. Private Showers, a runner, displayed exceptional courage in
carrying messages for three days under shell and machine-gun fire.
Born: at Fort Branch, Indiana
Home Town: Fort Branch, Indiana
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SIBLEY, BERTON W.
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
3d Battalion, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6 - 8, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Berton W. Sibley, Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for
exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service and unexcelled gallantry as
Battalion Commander, 3rd Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Major Sibley commanded his battalion in its attack upon enemy machine-gun
positions at Belleau Woods, from June 6th to 8th, personally leading the attack
on June 8th at a critical time in the engagement. Confronted by tremendous odds,
his excellent judgment and personal bravery inspired his men to redoubled
efforts. When all the officers of one of his companies (Company I) had been
wounded he advanced with that company and displayed fine courage and dash
throughout the action. This was on the 6th and 8th of June, 1918. He led his men
superbly under most trying conditions against the most distinguished elements of
the German Army, administering to those organizations their first defeat.
SIEG, ROBERT E.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
43d Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 3 - 5, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Robert E. Sieg, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the 43d Company, 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Blanc Mont., France, October 3 -
5, 1918. Private Sieg unhesitatingly went through the heaviest machine-gun and
artillery fire dressing and carrying wounded. Disregarding his own safety, he
refused to take rest or food while there were wounded needing attention.
Born: at Lundy, Missouri
Home Town: Hooper, Nebraska
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SILVERTHORN, MERWIN HANCOCK
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Merwin H. Silverthorn, Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, October 4,
1918. Second Lieutenant Silverthorn carried an important message to his
battalion commander and returned with instructions at a critical time through
heavy machine-gun and shell fire.
Born: 9/22/1896 at Minneapolis, Minnesota
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SIMMONS, SAMUEL SLOKOM
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
78th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 3, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Samuel Slokom Simmons, Private, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 78th Company, 6th
Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Blanc Mont, France, October
3, 1918. With two other soldiers Private Simmons volunteered and attacked a
machine-gun nest in advance of his front line, killing the entire crew. Later,
with another soldier, he went into an enemy dugout and captured forty prisoners.
He also carried three messages through the enemy barrage.
Born: at Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
*SIMON, FRANK J.
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
76th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 1, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Frank J. Simon, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the 76th Company, 6th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Georges, France, November 1,
1918. Advancing with two other men alongside of a tank, in front of his company,
Sergeant Simon encountered terrific enemy fire. After cutting their way through
the wire the men in the tank and the men following Sergeant Simon were killed
and he was wounded. Undaunted by his wound, he continued on alone, encountering
and capturing six of the crew of the enemy machine-gun in a dugout.
Born: at Chicago, Illinois
Home Town: Cleveland, Ohio
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
*SIMPSON, ROY HOBSON
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
47th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 12, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Roy Hobson Simpson, Private, U.S. Marine Corps,
for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 47th Company, 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action during the attack on the
Bois-de-Belleau, France, June 12, 1918. Private Simpson carried a message from
Battalion to Company headquarters directly across the face of enemy fire. Shot
through the chest he continued running and called out, "I must deliver this
message," struggling forward for 50 feet more in his heroic effort to carry
out his mission before falling dead.
Born: at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SINCLAIR, WILBERT W.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
55th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 10, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Wilbert W. Sinclair, Private, U.S. Marine Corps,
for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 55th Company, 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Beaumont, France, November 10,
1918. Private Sinclair, alone, reconnoitered the position of enemy machine-guns
which were holding up the advance of his company across the Meuse. After he had
located them, he silenced the fire of two guns, thus making possible the
continuance of his company's advance.
Born: at Tyngsboro, Massachusetts
Home Town: Roxbury, Massachusetts
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SKAGGS, WILLIAM H.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Date of Action: July 19, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to William H. Skaggs, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps,
for extraordinary heroism in action near Vierzy, France, on July 19, 1918.
Although seriously wounded in action, Corporal Skaggs carried a wounded comrade
six kilometers to a dressing station under terrific enemy fire.
SLOVER, ROBERT
(First Award)
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
49th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Robert Slover, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the 49th Company, 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, October 4,
1918. Corporal Slover assisted in preparing an emergency force of about thirty
men, leading them in attack against greatly superior numbers of the enemy, who
were preparing a surprise attack against an unprotected projection of our lines.
His leadership and daring resulted in the complete success of the exploit.
Born: at Coal Creek, Tennessee
Home Town: Coal Creek, Tennessee
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action), Navy Cross (WWI)
SLOVER, ROBERT
(Second Award)
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
49th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 18, 1918
Synopsis:
The Navy Cross is presented to Robert Slover, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the 49th Company, 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Soissons, France on July 18, 1918.
Born: at Coal Creek, Tennessee
Home Town: Coal Creek, Tennessee
Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (WWI), Distinguished Service Cross
*SLYKE, ALFRED GEORGE
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
77th Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division,
A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Alfred George Slyke, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps,
for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 77th Company, 6th Machine-Gun
Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Blanc
Mont, France, November 4, 1918. When the Germans attacked Sergeant Slyke's
machine-gun detachment at close range, ammunition was dropped between the gun
and the enemy. Although the enemy was bombing the gun position with hand
grenades, Sergeant Slyke went forward and secured the ammunition and then opened
fire and routed the enemy, who had already injured three of his crew with
grenades.
Born: at Amsterdam, New York
Home Town: Amsterdam, New York
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SMITH, DWIGHT F.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Company I, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 8, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Dwight F. Smith, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the Company I, 6th Regiment (Marines),
2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the Bois-de- Belleau, France, June 8, 1918.
Captain Smith was conspicuous for his gallantry and energy in conducting attacks
against superior forces in strongly fortified machine-gun positions. Under heavy
machine-gun fire he fought until incapacitated by wounds.
Born: at Stowe, Vermont
Home Town: Stowe, Vermont
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
*SMITH, JOHN F.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
Machine-Gun Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John F. Smith, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the Machine-Gun Company, 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, October 4,
1918. During a heavy enemy counter-barrage Private Smith was engaged as a
runner. In the execution of his duty he displayed exceptional bravery, carrying
messages through intense shell fire, falling severely wounded after his fourth
journey.
Born: at Youngstown, Ohio
Home Town: Cincinnati, Ohio
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
*SOMERS, VERNON L.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Vernon L. Somers, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines),
2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Chateau- Thierry, France, June 6, 1918. Killed
in action, Second Lieutenant Somers gave the supreme proof of that extraordinary
heroism which will serve as an example to hitherto untried troops.
Born: at Bloxom, Virginia
Home Town: Bloxom, Virginia
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SPAULDING, DAVID L.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
79th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to David L. Spaulding, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps,
for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 79th Company, 6th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action during the advance on Bouresches,
France, on June 6, 1918. Corporal Spaulding returned to the front lines
encouraging his men after being sent to the rear with a severe wound.
Born: at Hood River, Oregon
Home Town: Hood River, Oregon
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SPENCER, ERNEST
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
81st Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division,
A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12 - 15, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Ernest Spencer, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the 81st Company, 6th Machine-Gun
Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near
Thiaucourt, France, September 12 - 15, 1918. Private Spencer repeatedly
volunteered and carried messages through intense machine-gun and artillery fire,
obtaining valuable information at critical moments.
Born: at Toppenish, Washington
Home Town: Toppenish, Washington
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
STAIR, WILLETT A.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
Headquarters Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 4, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Willett A. Stair, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the Headquarters Company, 6th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Torcy, France, June 4, 1918. As a
member of a raiding patrol, Private Stair displayed great courage and devotion
by fearlessly entering extremely dangerous areas and obtaining information
imperatively necessary to the success of subsequent operations.
Born: at Bristol, South Dakota
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
*STENSSON, CARL H.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
18th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 3, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Carl H. Stensson, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving with the 18th Company, 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, October 3,
1918. Private Stennson displayed great courage in serving as a stretcher bearer
during the operations at Blanc Mont Ridge. When his helper was wounded, he went
into an open road swept by machine-gun, fire to rescue him and was killed in his
self-sacrificing attempt.
Born: at Framingham, Massachusetts
Home Town: Framingham, Massachusetts
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
*STRAIN, BENJAMIN T.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
45th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Benjamin T. Strain, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps,
for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 45th Company, 5th Regiment
(Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Chateau-Thierry, France, June 6,
1918. Killed in action, Corporal Strain gave the supreme proof of that
extraordinary heroism which will serve as an example to hitherto untried troops.
Born: at Newton, Kansas
Home Town: Greensburg, Indiana
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SWEET, WALTER
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
16th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 25, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Walter Sweet, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 16th Company, 5th
Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Chateau-Thierry, France,
June 25, 1918. In the attack of June 25, after his company commander had been
removed because of wounds, Second Lieutenant (then Gunnery Sergeant) Sweet
reorganized the platoon, and, leading them forward, rushed a strong enemy
emplacement, capturing two guns and their crews. After having consolidated his
position and established liaison, the enemy opened a harassing trench-mortar
fire, during which his platoon suffered heavy casualties. He attacked the nest
with the aid of hand grenades, and put the gun out of action, killing two of the
enemy and taking five prisoners, with whom he returned to his position.
Born: at Lowell, Massachusetts
Home Town: Lowell, Massachusetts
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
*SYNNOTT, JOSEPH A.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June 6, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Joseph A. Synnott, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines),
2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Chateau- Thierry, France, June 6, 1918. Killed
in action, Second Lieutenant Synnott gave the supreme proof of that
extraordinary heroism which will serve as an example to hitherto untried troops.
Born: at Passaic, New Jersey
Home Town: Passaic, New Jersey
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)
SYVERSON, GRANNIS I.
Private, U.S. Marine Corps
66th Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division,
A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 3, 1918
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Grannis I. Syverson, Private, U.S. Marine Corps,
for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 66th Company, 6th Machine-Gun
Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St.
Etienne, France, October 3, 1918. When our advance infantry was forced to
withdraw, Private Syverson's machine-gun crew refused to withdraw, but calmly
set up their machine gun. The gun was upset by a bursting hand grenade, which
also injured two members of the squad. Despite these injuries, they immediately
reset the gun and opened fire on the advancing Germans when twenty feet distant,
causing the Germans to break and retreat in disorder.
Born: at White Rock, South Dakota
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Same Action)