DECORATED MARINES OF THE FOURTH BRIGADE
IN WORLD WAR I
George B. Clark
NEW copy, trade PAPERBACK.
(Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 2007).
Illustrations, appendix, bibliography, index,
276 pp.
World War I found American soldiers overseas participating in unprecedented acts
of bravery and valor. Faced with the need to recognize these outstanding deeds
by soldiers of all ranks and creeds, the United States established the Silver
Star citation, consisting of a small star which was placed on a Victory Medal
Ribbon by the honored soldier. These citations were issued by each division as
well as by the Armed Expeditionary Force. This sometimes resulted in duplicate
honors for one feat of valor and contributed to the general lack of a consistent
process for awarding such citations. Nevertheless, the Silver Star, along with
more prestigious awards such as the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service
Cross, reflected the significant contributions U.S. soldiers made to the war
effort.
This volume contains a complete accounting of every member of the
Fourth Marine Brigade who received an award of some kind during World War I.
Beginning with an overview of the brigade’s contributions to the war effort, the
book lists each individual and the honors he received. Citations, which were
generally written by a superior (usually an officer), read as originally written
and consequently do not always provide an accurate representation of the heroic
act. Prewar and postwar experience is noted when available. The award entry
site—designated as Verdun, Belleau Wood, Soissons, St. Mihiel, Blanc Mont or
Meuse Argonne—is also listed. Foreign honors such as the French Croix de Guerre,
the Montenegrin Silver Medal of Valor and Italian War Cross are denoted when
applicable. An appendix contains detailed
information on the inauguration of the
Silver Star citation.
$39.95
|
|
|
