DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS LOG OF THE 165TH INFANTRY 'FIGHTING 69TH'
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A most historic document, a closely written 100pp. official regimental log listing hundreds of soldiers of the 165th Regiment recommended for the award of the Distinguished Service Cross, America's second highest award for military valor just beneath the Medal of Honor. The vaunted U.S. 165th Regiment, originally the famous 69th New York Infantry 'Fighting Irish', was commanded by William J. Donovan (1883-1959) who would himself be awarded the Medal of Honor and would later found the OSS during World War II. The regiment would distinguish itself at the Second Battle of the Marne, the Ourcq River during the Aisne-Marne Offensive, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, taking heavy losses throughout. The 13.5 x 9 in. bound log contains entries sent to G.H.Q. in batches over a period of time, apparently all in 1918. Details include the nominee's name, rank, organization, dates of approval of various commands, D.S.C. numbers, dates of informal and formal presentations, and remarks. An amazing 160 such awards were given, a small handful to members of associated regiments but the vast majority to members of the 165th. About one in eight men recommended actually received the medal, many posthumously or while recuperating in a hospital. Others received letters of commendation, and some received two or even three, as was the case with 1st Lt. Oscar B. Nelson whose third DSM was awarded posthumously. Donovan's award of the DSM 358 appears at the top of pg. 8, formally presented on Sep. 7, 1918. Several men were recommended for the Medal of Honor as well, with GHQ choosing to issue a DSM instead, and three men recommended for a Medal of Honor would be issued that great honor: Cpl. Sidney E. Manning, Pvt. Willis P. Snyder, and Pvt. Thomas C. Neibauer - the first Illinoisian and Mormon to receive the award. Overall very good, a wonderful historical record.
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS LOG OF THE 165TH INFANTRY 'FIGHTING 69TH'
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