Frank Severin Erickson's Valorous Conduct Citation dated November 14th, 1918
Signed by Captain William J. Cullen of the 308th Infantry
The complete transcription of the citation: 

Headquarters 77th Division
American Expeditionary Force

November 14th, 1918

General Orders No. 39

I desire to record in the General Orders of this Division a tribute to the valorous conduct of the following
Officers and Enlisted Men who have distinguished themselves by their courage, service and sacrifice:-

  *                                                      *                                                   *

Private Frank G. S. Erickson, #3143116, Company H, 308th Infantry who displayed extraordinary heroism
in action in the ARGONNE FOREST, near BINARVILLE, between October 3rd and October 8th when that
Company, together with other Companies of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of this regiment, were surrounded
by the enemy and cut off from communications with friendly troops.

During this period, he was a runner between his Company and Battalion Headquarters. Though completely
without food during all this period, he cheerfully and courageously performed his duties as runner. During a
heavy attack by the enemy on October 3rd he carried messages from his Company Commander to Battalion
Headquarters under heavy fire from machine guns and trench mortars. 

He succeeded in delivering his message and in guiding supporting troops to the left flank which was
then being subjected to heavy pressure by the enemy. On succeeding days of the siege, this soldier
continued to perform his duties over exposed places and in full view of the enemy and always under
heavy machine gun fire which raked the position on the least exposure. These duties he performed in
absolute disregard of his personal safety.


Robert Alexander
Major General, U.S.A.
Commanding

OFFICIAL:-

Louis B. Gerow
Adjutant General
Division Adjutant

OFFICIAL:-

William J. Cullen
Captain, 308th Infantry



Lost Battalion

77th Brigade - 308th Infantry Regiment

Meuse-Argonne Offensive



  *					*					*

A postcard dated March 1st 1919 written by my grandfather Frank Severin Erickson's
commanding officer, Captain William J. Cullen of the 308th Infantry - 77th Division
American Expeditionary Force - Cheville, France

    Postcard