Date of Award: Unknown
Conflict: World War I
Branch: U.S. Navy

Lt. Cmdr. Alexander Lyle was assigned to the Fifth Regiment, U.S. Marines as part of the American Expeditionary Force in France. On April 23, 1917, during fighting in the Verdun sector, Marines came under heavy shelling. Amidst the attack, Lyle administered first aid to control the bleeding of a comrade, saving his life.

Since the Fifth Marine Regiment was serving as part of the American Expeditionary Force, Lyle’s heroism was also recognized by the Army. Lyle received the Silver Star for this act, and later received another Silver Star for service in the Soissons sector in July 1918.

Citation: “Under heavy shellfire on the French Front, Lieutenant Commander Lyle rushed to the assistance of Corporal Thomas Regan, who was seriously wounded, and administered such effective surgical aid while bombardment was still continuing.”