Robert I. Birch
Home Town: Albee, South Dakota
Silver Star
U.S. Army
World War I
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Robert I. Birch (ASN: 42660), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Sergeant Birch distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action south of Sedan, France, 7 November 1918, while leading a platoon in an attack.
Distinguished Service Cross
U.S. Army
World War I
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert I. Birch, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Sedan, France, November 6 – 7, 1918. Sergeant Birch voluntarily led a small group against an enemy machine-gun nest which was impeding the progress of his company. Although severely wounded in the attack, he succeeded in silencing the gun nest, and remained until the mission was completed.
