1924 Notice and Diploma of Award of Belgian Croix de Guerre

This document is a letter to Col. Gerlach concerning Gerlach's being awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre (Cross of War). The letter is dated March 17th, 1924, and is found in the Frank Gerlach file.

Transcription

Page 1

WAR DEPARTMENT
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE   nbb/595
WASHINGTON

March 17, 1924.

IN REPLY
REFER TO   AG 201, Gerlach, Frank C.

(3-17-24) Ex Div

Colonel Frank C. Gerlach, 338 Beall Avenue, Wooster, Ohio.

There is forwarded herewith a diploma showing the award to you of the Belgian Croix de Guerre, which

diploma was recently forwarded to the War Department through the Military Attache, United States Embassy, Paris, France.
Following is a translation of the diploma:
“KINGDOM OF BELGIUM,
THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE
has the honor to inform Colonel Frank C. Gerlach, 146th Infantry
that, by Royal
Decree No. 6624, of the 22nd of January, 1920, the Croix de Guerre has
been conferred upon him, as of the 22nd of January, 1919;
‘he particularly distinguished himself by his courage during
the victorious offensive in Flanders.’

(Signed) Albert Deveze. “

By Order of the Secretary of War:

S. G. Walthall

Adjutant General

1 Incl.
Diploma.

Page 2

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES

Gerlach, Frank C.   Colonel

(Name)   (Rank)

145th Infantry

(Organization)

The award of the War Cross
by the Belgian Government to you having been approved
by the Commander in Chief, you are authorized to accept and to wear such
decoration.

The award was made for the following services rendered;

CITATION

For exceptional gallant conduct in action during the operations
of the 37th Division, in Belgium.

[SEAL]   BY COMMAND OF GENERAL PERSHING:
OFFICIAL   ‘’
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS AMERICAN   JAMES G. HARBORD,
EXPEDITIONARY FORCES   Chief of Staff.

OFFICIAL:
ROBERT C. DAVIS
Adjutant General.