Arthur J. O’Keefe

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur J. O’Keefe, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 21, 1918. Captain O’Keefe personally led a group of automatic riflemen in an attack against a number o the enemy who were attempting to cut off the assaulting wave. By his skillful leadership and gallant conduct he succeeded in defeating the enemy party. In the performance of this duty Captain O’Keefe was wounded in the leg by a machine-gun bullet. In spite of his wound this officer continued to expose himself to heavy machine- gun fire while directing the movements of his company until wounded a second time by a high-explosive shell. Twice wounded, he refused to be evacuated until ordered to the rear.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Arthur J. O’Keefe, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in August 1943. Sergeant O’Keefe’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.