George Marcellus Gross
Military Honor(s):
Distinguished Service Cross
Citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private George Gross (ASN: 2335924), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 372d Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, A.E.F., near Sechault, France, 29 September 1918. Although he had been badly gassed, Private Gross kept his machine-gun in action until he fell beside his gun. *INCORRECT INDICATOR OF POSTHUMOUS AWARDING
Life & Service
- Birth: 17 July 1895, Washington, DC, United States
- Place of Residence:
- Race/Ethnicity: African American
- Death: 10 October 1971 Washington, DC, United States
- Branch: Army
- Military Rank: Private
- Company: [D]
- Infantry Regiment: 372nd
- Division: 93rd
George Marcellus Gross was born to Charles (1867-?) and Louisa Beckwith (1855-?) on 17 July 1896 in Washington, DC. Gross was the fourth of five children; Lola (1889-?), Margaret (1891-?), Emily (1893-?), and Albert (1897-1928). Gross completed his schooling up to the 9th grade, afterwards, working a number of odd jobs in the DC area.
Military Description and Citation (Includes a summary of transfers, rank change(s), training, enlistment, and discharge locations): Gross enlisted in the U.S. Army on 14 October 1917; he was assigned to Company D, 372nd Infantry Regiment, 93rd Division as a Private. It is unknown when Private Gross and his attachment sailed to France. Private Gross received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions near Sechault, France on 29 September 1918;
“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private George Gross (ASN: 2335924), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 372d Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, A.E.F., near Sechault, France, 29 September 1918. Although he had been badly gassed, Private Gross kept his machine-gun in action until he fell beside his gun.” WD, GO No. 13. INCORRECT indication of ‘Posthumous’ awarding.
Private Gross and Saint Aignan Casual Company 2933 left Le Havre, France aboard the U.S. Army Transport Ship S.S. Rochambeau on 4 April 1919, and arrived I Hoboken, New York on 14 April. Private Gross was Honorably Discharged on 2 May 1919. Gross’ brother Albert served with Machine Gun Company of the 372nd Infantry Regiment, 93rd Division, later in Company E; he was Discharged on 11 September.
Upon his return home, Gross worked as a messenger for one of the federal administration buildings in DC; on 9 April 1920, he married Hattie Arabella Burris (1900-1983), the couple had nine children, Marjorie Elizabeth (1920-1997), Margaret Elaine (1923-1988), George Vernon (1925-2000), William Leonard (1928-2007), Charles Harrison (19300-1983), Anne (1934-?), David Margellius (1936-2004), Albert (1937-?), and Sandra Jean (1938-1990). In the 1930s, Gross worked for an oil burner company, the 1940s, at the post office; at one point, Gross worked for the Public Buildings Administration (PBA) as part of the Federal Works Agency (FWA/a New Deal Era organization).
Little else is known of Gross’ later adult life; he died on 10 October 1971 in Washington, DC, it is unknown where he is buried.
