| Subject: Re: German WW I tanks |
Author:
Shawn
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Date Posted: 00:30:33 07/09/02 Tue
In reply to:
Johan Ryheul
's message, "Re: German WW I tanks" on 13:47:03 07/03/02 Wed
Johan,
As always, glad to help! Speaking of Patton's WWI tank service, here is a detailed summary of his WWI decorations and citations taken from an article titled "The Medals of General George S. Patton, Jr." written by John P. Mull, III that appeared on pages 18-39 of the April 1995 (Volume 46, Number 4) issue of the “The Medal Collector: The Journal of the Orders and Medals Society of America.” This might be of some use to your research.
Army Distinguished Service Cross (No. 1391):
General Order No. 133, December 16, 1918.
George S. Patton, Jr., Colonel, Tank Corps. For extraordinary heroism in action near Cheppy, France, September 26, 1918. He displayed conspicuous courage, coolness, energy, and intelligence in directing the advance of his brigade down the valley of the Aire. Later he rallied a force of disorganized infantry and led it forward behind the tanks under heavy machine-gun fire and artillery fire until he was wounded. Unable to advance farther, he continued to direct the operations of his unit until all arrangements for turning over the command were completed.
Recommended by Brigadier General S.D. Rockenbach,
Chief of Tank Corps, U.S.A.
Army Distinguished Service Medal (No. 1650):
General Order No. 103, August 16, 1919.
Lieut. Col. George S. Patton, Jr., Tank Corps, United States Army. For exceptional meritorious and distinguished services. By his energy and sound judgment he rendered very valuable services in his organization and direction of the Tank Center at the Army schools at Langres. In the employment of Tank Corps troops in combat he displayed high military attainments, zeal, and marked adaptability in a form of warfare comparatively new to the American Army
Silver Star Medal (No. 8781):
General Order No. 82.
Colonel George S. Patton, Jr./Tank Corps, U.S. Army. “An officer of superior courage, dominant leadership and technical skill, during the operations of the First Division in the attack on the St. Mihiel Salient, September 12th, 1918, he commanded the Tank Unit assigned to the Division. By his gallantry, his superior organizing ability and his determination he overcame great difficulties and contributed effectively to the success of the Division in crossing the enemy’s trenches and wire and in giving protection to the advancing Infantry while bridging and crossing a difficult stream.”
By Command of Major General Summerall
Citation Order No. 4, June 3, 1919 (authorizing the wearing of a silver star on the Victory Ribbon for gallantry)
Lieut. Col. G.S. Patton, Tank Corps, A.E.F.
For gallantry in action near Cheppy, France, 26 September 1918 in reorganizing and leading forward in the attack and infantry detachment.
Patton applied for the Silver Star Medal on 9 March 1933 and received it shortly afterwards.
Purple Heart Medal (No. 4293):
Patton was wounded near Cheppy, France on 26 September 1918. According to Patton, “The bullet went into the front of my leg and came out just at the crack of my bottom about two inches to the left of my rectum.” Patton was given a wound certificate and later wore a red chevron on his left sleeve until the Purple Heart Medal was authorized in 1932. He applied for his Purple Heart Medal on 30 April 1932 and received it on 2 June 1932.
World War I Victory Medal + 4 Clasps (Toul Defensive Sector, Montdidier-Noyons, St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne.)
Regards,
Shawn
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