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Lot 164:
This medal grouping once belonged to Lieutenant W. Ross Gahring who served as a platoon leader in the 28th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Division AEF in World War I. LT Gahring was decorated twice for his heroism starting with a Silver Citation StarBy direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) W. Ross Gahring, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Gahring distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 28th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. First Lieutenant Gahring led his platoon to its objective and reorganized his post under heavy machine gun fire; although wounded he remained on duty with his platoon for nine hours, lying in a shell hole and issuing orders to his men.Home Town: Mount Vernon, Missouri LT Gahring proceeded to earn the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. GAHRING, W. ROSSFirst Lieutenant, U.S. Army28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F.Date of Action: May 28 – 31, 1918Citation:The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to W. Ross Gahring, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Cantigny, France, May 28 – 31, 1918. First Lieutenant Gahring was severely wounded by machine-gun fire shortly after successfully leading his platoon to its objective. November 1, 1918. Throughout the two campaigns Captain Gaillot accompanied every officer’s patrol, fearlessly exposing himself to heavy machine-gun and artillery fire, rendering invaluable service to the regiment to which he was attached.General Orders No. 99, W.D., 1918Home Town: Mount Vernon, MOLT Gahring was seriously wounded in this action as well. The actions where Lt Gahring earned the DSC has been written about by James Nelson in his book “The Remains of Company D: A Story of the Great War.” The grouping includes Gahring’s DSC which is numbered 147 on the edge. The medal drape shows some fading and the brooch is missing. The grouping also includes his Victory medal with five campaign bars and a silver citation star. There is also a 1918 dated French Croix de Guerre with a bronze star and palm. The back of the drape has been cut or has come apart at some point, probably from having been worn. As it comes with the French barbell style suspension, I would assume that perhaps LT Gahring wore the DSC in the same manner. The grouping also includes a WWI vintage miniature DSC. The front of the ribbon drape shows fading and heavy wear. The grouping also includes a single crossed rifle officer’s collar device and a 2nd LT bar. Finally, there is a loose pendant for the WWI Victory medal. Gahring’s DSC number is recorded in the official lists of awardees. This is a splendid opportunity to own a medal grouping from a hero from one of the most famous units in the First World War.
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