Treasury Silver Lifesaving Medal (Sgt Richardson, 3rd Co, CAC, Nov 1917)

Treasury Silver Lifesaving Medal, engraved “To/Sergt/C.M. Richardson/3rd Co, CAC/for bravely rescuing/a fellow soldier/November 25, 1917″. With original silver wrap brooch, new ribbon.

Sergeant Clarence Mack Richardson was cited for actions: “On the night of November 25, 1917, rescued a man named C.P. Hoffman, QMC, USA, from drowning in the Potomac River. Hoffman had slipped on some ice and fallen into the river. Richardson immediately jumped into the icy water of the river and secured a hold on the unconscious man and brought him to the shore.” This action took place near Fort Washington, Maryland. Richardson (1882-1965) was from Riverside, Kentucky, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Richardson was one of only five men who received the Silver Lifesaving Medal, Certificate of Merit, Certificate of Merit Medal (#349), Distinguished Service Medal and Distinguished Service Cross (#6255) for a single action.