Edward Bald

Edward Bald was born in Pennsylvania on August 23, 1893. When the Census was taken in the summer of 1900, Edward Bald, only seven years old, was in a home for foster children in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with 140 other children. After leaving the orphanage, he spent some time in Camden, New Jersey, and named Camden as his home town when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

Corporal Bald went overseas with the 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action near Somme Py, France, October 2–10, 1918. Corporal Bald maneuvered his machine-gun squad independently of the platoon, going forward under intense enemy machine-gun and artillery fire and concentration of gas. On one occasion he led his squad, regardless of personal danger, in the rear of the German positions, and laid down a flanking fire against a portion of the enemy line, facilitating its capture, together with a number of the enemy. He was also awarded the Navy Cross for his deeds in the same action.

Edward Bald found a home in the Marine Corps. When the census was taken in April of 1930, he was serving as a First Sergeant at the Marine Corps base at San Diego, California. Last a resident of Augusta, Georgia, Edward Bald passed on July 15, 1969.

Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 2–10, 1918

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edward Bald, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action near Somme Py, France, October 2–10, 1918. Corporal Bald maneuvered his machine-gun squad independently of the platoon, going forward under intense enemy machine-gun and artillery fire and concentration of gas. On one occasion he led his squad regardless of personal danger, in the rear of the German positions, and laid down a flanking fire against a portion of the enemy line, facilitating its capture, together with a number of the enemy.

General Orders No. 21, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Camden, NJ
Other Award: Navy Cross (Same Action)

Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Date of Action: October 1–10, 1918

The Navy Cross is awarded to Corporal Edward Bald, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action near Somme-Py, France, October 1–10, 1918. Corporal Bald maneuvered his machine-gun squad independently of the platoon, going forward under intense enemy machine-gun and artillery fire and concentrations of gas. On one occasion, he led his squad, regardless of personal danger, in the rear of the German positions, and laid down a flanking fire against a portion of the enemy.