Alvin W. Pilkerton

Hospitalman Apprentice First Class: For gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman with the 6th Marines, 2d Division, A.E.F., on July 19, 1918 at Vierzy, France

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alvin W. Pilkerton, Pharmacist’s Mate, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action near Thiaucourt, France, September 15, 1918. While he was dressing the injuries of a wounded soldier under heavy shell fire, Pharmacist’s Mate Pilkerton was himself severely wounded in two places, but he refused to treat his own wounds until he had taken care of his patient.

The Navy Cross is awarded to Hospital Apprentice First Class Alvin W. Pilkerton, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the U.S. Marines in action near Vierzy on July 19, 1918. Hospital Apprentice Pilkerton did cool and effective work in caring for wounded under heavy fire in the open and without adequate shelter.