*BACHER, EDWARD C. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Edward C. Bacher (33620408),
Technician Fourth Grade, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against an
armed enemy while serving with the 80th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored
Division, in Germany on 12 April 1945. Sergeant Bacher was artillery
mechanic in a medium tank company. While moving forward to repair a
weapon, Sergeant Bacher and his driver were ambushed. Sergeant Bacher
was mortally wounded and the driver was killed. Despite his wounds he
immediately manned the machine gun, wiping out the enemy position.
Dazed and suffering from shock, he wandered three kilometers to a
German hospital where he was found by friendly troops. His devotion to
duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions
of the Armed Forces of the United States and reflect great credit on
himself and the service.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 89 (August 14, 1945)
Home Town: Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
BAGLEY, JAMES B., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to James B. Bagley, Jr. (35893823), Private, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the
19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division at Palo, Leyte,
Philippine Islands on 22 October 1944. Private Bagley was number two
gunner in a position which was attacked by an undetermined number of
Japanese soldiers. Most of the rifle protection was drawn away from
the position by enemy fire. When the Japs attacked, Private Bagley
remained with the gun and continued o fire on the attacking force. He
was wounded by rifle fire and grenades, but he kept the gun in action
against the enemy. When he could no longer operate the gun because of
his wounds, he remained with his rifle to protect the gun position.
Private Bagley's extraordinary heroism reflects great credit upon
himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 24th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 29 (December 5, 1944)
Home Town: Kokomo, Indiana
BAHR, EARL A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Earl A. Bahr (0-2006534), Second Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while serving with Company A, 63d Armored Infantry Battalion,
11th Armored Division, in connection with military operations against
an armed enemy on 2 April 1945, near Obermassfeld, Germany. While
serving as platoon leader, Lieutenant Bahr's platoon was pinned down
by intense enemy small arms fire. Lieutenant Bahr thereupon ordered
his platoon to remain in a covered position while he moved into an
open and exposed position in an effort to locate the origin of the
enemy fire. Although subjected to intense enemy sniper and machine gun
fire, Lieutenant Bahr remained at his observation post until he
located the enemy position. Returning across open terrain to his
platoon, Lieutenant Bahr was wounded by Panzerfaust fire but refused
treatment until tank fire was directed upon the target, permitting his
platoon to advance and secure their objective. His gallant courage and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
United States Army.
Headquarters, 11th Armored
Division, General Orders No. 112 (June 21, 1945)
Home Town: Kansas
BAKER, HERSCHEL D.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star
Medal to Herschel D. Baker (0-11391), Colonel (Field Artillery), [then
Lieutenant Colonel], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving
with the 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion near Sbeitla, Tunisia, on 17
February 1943. When a large number of enemy tanks threatened to
complete a double envelopment of his command, Colonel Baker went
forward under very heavy tank fire and, standing in an exposed
position, coolly supervised the orderly withdrawal of the battalion.
Department of the Army, General
Orders No. 65 (September 24, 1948)
BAKER, WARREN H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Warren H. Baker (0-552803), Second Lieutenant
(Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the
enemy while serving with the 8th Armored Division in Germany on 28
February 1945. During an advance, infantry and tanks were held up by a
defended road block. Lieutenant Baker, on his own initiative, moved
out three hundred yards under fire and reported the condition of the
area. Lieutenant Baker, with two of his demolition men, cleared a lane
through the mined area and removed the road block. He and one of his
men were wounded during this action but continued until they completed
their work. As a result of their actions, the command was able to
accomplish its mission. His actions are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the Military Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 12 (March 22, 1945)
Home Town: Wilderville, Oregon
BALDWIN, EDWARD W, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Edward W Baldwin, Jr. (0-284465), Major (Corps of
Engineers), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with the 158th Engineer Combat Battalion, on 21 and 22
December 1944, in Belgium. When infiltrating Germans attempted to
seize a vital bridge along a main convoy route, Major Baldwin
immediately organized stragglers from other units and elements of his
own command to defend the bridge. Constantly exposed to enemy
artillery and small arms fire, her personally led his men in a
counterattack which forced the enemy to withdraw from their forward
area. Realizing the importance of accurate data concerning the
strength and disposition of enemy troops, Major Baldwin secured and
transmitted to the battalion command post vital information which was
of utmost value in repulsing numerous enemy attacks. By his daring and
coolness under fire and his conspicuous leadership, Major Baldwin
reflected great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 1st Army, General
Orders No. 10 (January 17, 1945)
Home Town: Illinois
BARKLEY, JOHN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John Barkley (0-253806), Lieutenant Colonel
(Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving
with an Artillery Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division. When two
batteries of his battalion had been overrun by enemy tanks, Colonel
Barkley proceeded to these batteries under heavy enemy shellfire to
determine the condition of the abandoned guns and equipment and
possible means of evacuating them. This reconnaissance enabled the
recovery of vital material and its subsequent use against the enemy.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 64 (November 23, 1943)
Home Town: New Orleans, Louisiana
*BARNETT, DOLPH, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Dolph Barnett, Jr. (0-1300263),
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy
while serving with the 6th Infantry Division near Luzon, Philippine
Islands, on 1 March 1945. During a fierce barrage of enemy artillery
fire on a hill which was occupied by a friendly infantry rifle
company, Lieutenant Barnett, a mortar observer, immediately realized,
that a counter-barrage of mortar fire was necessary to silence the
enemy guns. Though his observation post was under enemy sniper fire,
Lieutenant Barnett, with complete disregard for his personal safety,
worked his way forward, to a point from which he could secure a better
view of enemy positions. While exposed to enemy observation and fire,
he directed a mortar barrage on the enemy, which was so accurate and
intense that the guns were silenced, and the enemy destroyed. Upon
completing this gallant act, a sniper's bullet found its mark,
mortally wounding Lieutenant Barnett.
Headquarters, 6th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 66 (1945)
Home Town: Yakima, Washington
BARRITT, GEORGE H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to George H. Barritt (20720982), Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with
Company I, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 20
February 1945, near Styring Wendel, France. Despite heavy enemy
artillery fire and intensive automatic and small arms fire, Sergeant
Barritt, with great daring, led his squad toward a proposed location
for the battalion outpost. While he was crossing a field, a close
burst threw him to the ground and wounded him internally. Disregarding
his painful wounds, Sergeant Barritt rallied his squad, advanced, and
completed the mission. His gallant action was a great inspiration to
all the men.
Headquarters, 70th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 18 (March 16, 1945)
Home Town: Omaha, Nebraska
BARTEN, GEORGE A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to George A. Barten (0-362040), Lieutenant Colonel
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with
Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry
Division, on 25 February 1945, near Grosbliederstroff, France. While
reconnoitering, with two other officers for a forward observation
post, Colonel Barten, from high ground, observed an enemy bunker near
an important road intersection. With one of the officers, he brought
fire on the enemy, killing two and wounding one. Disregarding hostile
machine gun fire, the two kept the bunker covered while the third
officer brought up three enlisted men who then flanked the position
and killed or wounded eight of the enemy as they attempted to leave
the strong point. Colonel Barten and one officer then moved up and
completed the operation, taking three enemy machine guns. His gallant
action removed an enemy threat to an important road intersection.
Headquarters, 70th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 38 (May 14, 1945)
Home Town: Cordorus, Pennsylvania
BASILE, FREDERICK A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Frederick A. Basile (32194025), Technician Fifth
Grade, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action on 12 February 1944, while
serving with Headquarters Battery, 194th Field Artillery Group, in the
vicinity of Raviscanina, Italy. When enemy shellfire caused one
quarter-ton radio car to burst into flames near other radios,
vehicles, rocket ammunition, and personnel, Sergeant Ray Milversted
and Sergeant Alouis Nearing left a ditch about two hundred yards away
and brought the blaze under control. Technician Fifth Grade Frederick
Basile ran to a radio weapons carrier parked on the other side of the
rockets and drove it away. During this time shells continued to burst,
some falling within 10 yards. At great personal risk, the three
non-commissioned officers saved valuable government property from
possible injury and protected other nearby radio operating personnel.
Their actions were beyond the call of duty and are in the best
traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, II Corps, General
Orders No. 16 (February 23, 1944)
Home Town: Brooklyn, New York
BATES, WILLIAM C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to William C. Bates (0-1328562), Second Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with
Company C, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. At Worth,
Germany, on the afternoon of 29 March 1945, at 1300 hours, Second
Lieutenant Bates led his platoon to spearhead his company's advance
into the city. Aggressively he led his men across a 75-yard-wide open
field, under intense enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire. With
his carbine, Second Lieutenant Bates killed two enemy snipers at 150
yards range and covered his men as they scaled an eight-foot wall.
Reorganizing his men behind the wall, Second Lieutenant Bates led them
across 60 additional yards of open field, under continuous Germany
artillery, mortar and sniper fire, and into the city to clear 10
blocks of buildings and establish a road block.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 223 (June 23, 1945)
Home Town: Kirkwood, Missouri
BAUER, HAROLD F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Harold F. Bauer (39309734), Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with
Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division,
in Germany on 20 April 1945. While on a reconnaissance patrol,
Sergeant Bauer and members of the patrol sighted large numbers of
enemy troops and vehicles near a heavily-defended concrete building.
It was apparent that the position could b e taken only be a strong
force, with the possibility of heavy casualties. Sergeant Bauer
advanced alone, convinced guards their position was surrounded, and
accomplished surrender of the enemy position. As a result, an enemy
Lieutenant General, his staff of five officers and ninety-seven
soldiers and a large number of vehicles, weapons and equipment were
captured. The position was headquarters for an enemy army corps.
Sergeant Bauer's initiative, courage and devotion to duty reflect
great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 61 (July 4, 1945)
Home Town: Cambridge, Nebraska
BAUMEISTER, JOSEPH F.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in Lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star
Medal to Joseph F. Baumeister (32056276), Technical Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action and disregard for personal safety while
serving with the 9th Infantry Division, on 11 December 1944, during
operations in Germany. Technical Sergeant Baumeister's actions
reflects highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the
United States.
Headquarters, 9th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 19 (January 31, 1945)
Home Town: New Jersey
BEAM, HARLAN C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Harlan C. Beam, Corporal, U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action in the vicinity of Djebel Tefifilia, Tunisia, on
25 January 1943. Corporal Beam voluntarily accompanied his officer on
a patrol toward enemy lines to determine the exact location of the
enemy outposts. He located one outpost and deliberately drew fire to
determine its strength. Corporal Beam's daring on this occasion was an
inspiration to his fellow soldiers.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 29 (1943)
Home Town: Ohio
*BEARD, WARREN E. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Warren E. Beard (12071519), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with Company A, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored
Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. During a combat operation,
Sergeant Beard discovered a wounded member of his platoon two hundred
yards from his own covered position. With utter disregard for his own
safety, he braved heavy mortar and artillery fire to move his comrade
to a place of safety. On the return to the original position, Sergeant
Beard was mortally wounded. His gallantry and devotion to duty reflect
the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 15 (March 27, 1945)
Home Town: Queens, New York
*BEAUPREY, CLARENCE J. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Clarence J. Beauprey (36198316),
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with the 18th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany
from 22 January 1945 to 11 April 1945. Sergeant Beauprey insisted on
accompanying his unit overseas, despite a back injury. During many
engagements he was unable to straighten up, due to the injury, but he
remained at his post performing his duties in a superior manner. On 11
April 1945 he refused to remain behind for medical attention and took
his tank into the attack. During the engagement he was called upon to
relieve infantry elements pinned down by small arms and machine gun
fire. Without regard for anti-tank and rocket fire, he moved into
position and destroyed the guns holding up the infantry. He had just
completed this mission when his tank received a rocket shell through
the turret. Sergeant Beauprey was fatally wounded. His great personal
courage and devotion beyond the call of duty were an inspiration to
all and reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the
United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 56 (June 28, 1945)
Home Town: Baraga County, Michigan
BEESON, TRUMAN C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Truman C. Beeson, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action in connection with a military operation
against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 303d Infantry
Regiment, 97th Infantry Division. In an attack on the city of Siegburg,
Germany, on 9 April 1945, Captain Beeson's company encountered strong
enemy resistance and its advance was slowed. He personally led a
platoon in an attack against the hostile positions and silenced an
enemy machine gun enabling his company to capture its objective. On
the following morning when two enemy pill boxes again held up the
company advance Captain Beeson took personal command of the assaulting
troops, maneuvered them to an advantageous position, reduced the
strong points, and captured approximately two hundred of the enemy. By
his bold, fearless leadership Captain Beeson inspired his men and
their attainments contributed in a large measure to the success of the
operation. His aggressiveness and gallantry on this occasion reflects
great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.
Headquarters, 97th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 38 (June 11, 1945)
Home Town: Louisiana
*BELTER, FRANK J. (KIA-MIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Frank J. Belter (36833083), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while serving with Company I, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th
Infantry Division, in action on 11 February, 1945 in France. While
attacking well-fortified houses in an enemy held town, Staff Sergeant
Belter volunteered to lead his squad across open, fire-swept terrain
into a group of houses where they could deliver fire on the enemy's
rear. Fully aware of the danger involved he started to advance across
the open space. While running towards his objective Staff Sergeant
Belter was killed by machine-gun fire. His heroic action inspired his
comrades to renewed aggressiveness against the hostile force.
Headquarters, 36th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 66 (1945)
Home Town: Park Falls, Wisconsin
BELTZ, ORMONDE R. F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Ormonde R. F. Beltz (37508817), Staff Sergeant
[then Sergeant], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with
Company C, 114th Infantry Regiment, on 15 February 1945, near
Woelfling, France. When his company's advance was halted by heavy
enemy mortar, machine-gun, and rifle fire, Sergeant Beltz, an
assistant squad leader, led his men forward through the fire and
effected their dispersal. In an extended personal movement, he crawled
toward a carefully camouflaged machine-gun emplacement and exposed
himself to throw two grenades. In his closely timed rifle assault, he
killed the enemy crew of three. Sergeant Beltz' outstanding
leadership, courage, and initiative permitted the continuation of his
company's attacka nd reflect credit upon himself the the Armed Forces.
BENN, JAMES D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to James D. Benn (33768959), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving
with Company A, 58th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division,
in Germany on 9 April 1945. When two members of a patrol were wounded,
Private Benn left the safety of his position to reach his comrades. He
advanced more than three hundred yards under machine gun, artillery
and mortar fire. Discovering that one of the men had already died of
his wounds, he carried the other back over the same terrain under
continuing heavy fire. Reaching a place of safety he turned the man
over to medical aid men. His personal courage and devotion beyond the
call of duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of
the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 76 (July 27, 1945)
Home Town: Deltona, Florida
BENSON, GRIFFITH EARL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Griffith Earl Benson (0-1299934), First
Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with the 1st Battalion, 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry
Division, on 16 and 17 December 1944, in Germany. When the enemy
launched an attack against his positions, Lieutenant Benson quickly
organized a defensive platoon from stragglers and remaining decimated
forces. The numerically superior enemy attack was beaten back with
severe losses to the enemy. Later the enemy again attacked with
support of three tanks. Two of the tanks were knocked out by bazooka
fire and the enemy was repulsed with heavy losses. With a scarcity of
ammunition and few men present to continue resistance, it was
necessary to withdraw and take up new positions. This was accomplished
by the quick thinking and outstanding leadership of Lieutenant Benson,
which reflects great credit upon himself and the armed forces.
Headquarters, 99th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 2 (1945)
Born: September 12, 1915 at Fort Stockton, Texas
Home Town: Kansas City, Missouri
*BESENYEI, LOUIS S. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Louis S. Besenyei (36359453),
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with Company F, 379th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry
Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 December 1944, in the
vicinity of Saarlautern-Roden, Germany. Fighting in Saarlautern-Roden,
sergeant Besenyei's platoon was subjected to sweeping fire from an
enemy pillbox. Quickly leading his men toward a group of buildings
nearby, Sergeant Besenyei took up a position at an opening in the
fence surrounding the houses and remained completely exposed to the
merciless fire until he directed all his comrades to cover. Sergeant
Besenyei was killed in action on 12 December 1944. His gallant, timely
action in risking his life to facilitate the movement of his platoon
from a precarious situation reflects lasting honor on him and is in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, 95th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 78 (1945)
Home Town: Cuyahoga County, West Virginia
BIAGINI, SYLVIO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Sylvio Biagini (33440740), Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with
Company C, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in
Germany on 8 March 1945 and 3 April 1945. When his squad was pinned
down by superior enemy forces, Sergeant Biagini moved about under
direct observation and fire in order to locate the enemy positions and
direct fire of the squad and a supporting tank. When the tank was
knocked out he covered evacuation of the wounded tank commander and
the wounded of his squad. Sergeant Biagini then went to the aid of
another wounded man, rendering aid and carrying him to cover under
intense enemy fire. Later, in another action, he led his squad in the
attack on an enemy strong point, showing great initiative and courage
in carrying out this mission. After taking the strong point he opened
fire with rifle grenades against an enemy tank, continuing this action
despite the fact he, himself was wounded, until he was relieved. His
courage, initiative and devotion to duty reflect great credit on
himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 50 (June 21, 1945)
Home Town: Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania
*BIEKER, ADRIAN S. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Adrian S. Bieker (0-1313506),
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while
serving with Company G, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry
Division, on 7 March 1945, near Forbach, France. After adjusting
artillery fire on enemy positions across a deep anti-tank ditch,
Lieutenant Bieker led his company successfully across the ditch and
seized the high ground on the other side. He and several of his men
were wounded by artillery fire during this crossing. Refusing to leave
the battlefield, he remained in command, organizing his position,
caring for the wounded, and directing artillery fire. Although he was
killed shortly afterwards by the explosion of an enemy shell, the
company was so thoroughly prepared for the counterattack which
followed that the enemy was unable to dislodge it from its position.
His gallant actions, culminating with the sacrifice of his life,
exemplify the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United
States.
Headquarters, 70th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 29 (April 16, 1945)
Home Town: Hamilton, Ohio
BILBY, KENNETH W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Kenneth W. Bilby (0-40011), Major (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 2d
Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Near
Zweibrucken, Germany, the morning of 19 March 1945, Major Bilby,
Battalion Executive Officer, voluntarily accompanied assault units in
the attack against the Siegfried Line. With his carbine he silenced a
German operating a machine pistol from a pillbox fortification after a
fierce duel at 50 yards range. Later, Major Bilby returned 600 yards
to the rear across an open field which was blanketed by enemy
artillery and small arms fire to bring up the ammunition and Pioneer
Platoon with needed ammunition.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 223 (June 23, 1945)
Home Town: Tucson, Arizona
BIRD, JAMES R.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to James R. Bird, Private, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the
160th Field Artillery, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the
enemy in November 1943, in Italy. Private Bird was manning an
observation post in the mountains near Cassino, Italy, when his unit
was hit by enemy artillery. While going to the assistance of an
observer, he was wounded by shell fragments, but continued to man his
post for three days. His actions, without regard for his own safety,
reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United
States.
Headquarters, 45th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 50 (1944)
BISCH, JOSEPH J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Joseph J. Bisch (37635276), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 7th
Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 25
January 1945. Private First Class Bisch was a member of a bazooka team
which was given the mission of knocking out an enemy pillbox. Private
Bisch and his teammate, on their own initiative, moved behind the
enemy lines to a better position and knocked out the pillbox. Fifteen
prisoners were captured in this operation. The annihilation of the
pillbox permitted the unit to continue. Private Bisch's initiative,
aggressiveness and bold courage reflect credit upon himself and the
Army of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 1 (February 8, 1945)
Home Town: St. Louis, Missouri
BISHOP, SIDNEY B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Sidney B. Bishop (14131653), Corporal, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company
A, 18th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28
February 1945. When the tank which he was serving was hit and ignited
by enemy fire, Corporal Bishop dismounted with the remainder of the
crew. He then voluntarily sought out another tank. He took the place
of a bow gunner who had become a casualty a short time before. He
served with this tank crew for more than an hour. When this tank was
disabled by rocket fire, Corporal Bishop again dismounted under
intense artillery and mortar fire. He took his place in a third tank
and continued the action until it was successfully completed. Corporal
Bishop's courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself
and the Armed forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 81 (August 4, 1945)
Home Town: Jefferson City, Tennessee
BLACKMAR, CHARLES B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Charles B. Blackmar (0-1183815), First Lieutenant
(Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant], U.S. Army, for gallantry in
action while serving with Company G, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th
Infantry Division, on 17 February 1945, near Kerbach, France. When, in
the darkness of night, the enemy launched a strong counterattack
against his company, First Lieutenant Blackmar, without regard for his
personal safety, boldly went forward to an exposed position, and using
an M-9 projector, ordinarily inadequate for this purpose, he shrewdly
improvised effective artificial light and trained it on the enemy. The
observation thus gained of the enemy's positions, permitted the
accurate placing of heavy machine gun fire upon the enemy, and
resulted in the repelling of the counterattack with casualties
approximated at 65 enemy dead or wounded.
Headquarters, 70th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 23 (March 28, 1945)
Home Town: Kansas City, Missouri
BLACKWELL, J. W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to J. W. Blackwell (38667100), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Aidman
with the 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 21 and 22
February 1945, near Styring Wendel, France. After he administered aid
to a wounded comrade and while waiting for litter bearers, Private
First Class Blackwell found it necessary to leave the man in order to
attend other casualties, sustained when the enemy counterattacked and
overran the OPLR. The following day he voluntarily made his way across
no man's land seeking to effect his comrade's evacuation, only to find
enemy troops where he had left the wounded soldier. He was subjected
to questioning by an enemy officer but steadfastly refused to divulge
any information. When the interrogation was concluded, he made an
unsuccessful attempt to persuade the officer to surrender his unit. He
then evacuated his wounded comrade to friendly lines. His gallantry
beyond the call of duty undoubtedly saved the wounded soldier's life.
Headquarters, 70th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 22 (March 23, 1945)
Home Town: Pocahontas, Arkansas
BLAKER, HARRY A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Harry A. Blaker (33595015), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C,
88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in
Germany on 28 March 1945. Sergeant Blaker was riding in the lead
vehicle of a task force. When the one-quarter ton truck in which he
was riding came under fire, he manned the machine gun and continued
with the advance. When that weapon jammed, he started firing his
rifle, later using that of his driver while he continued to advance
through the enemy town under harassing fire of all types. Sergeant
Blaker continued to lead the task force forward until he encountered
heavy artillery fire on the other side of the town. His personal
courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the
Armed Forces.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 84 (August 8, 1945)
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
*BLANCHARD, LAWRENCE C., JR.
(KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Lawrence C. Blanchard, Jr.
(0-1171902), Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery, U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while
serving with the 29th Field Artillery Battalion, 45th Infantry
Division, in action on 8 June 1944 in Normandy, France. The initiative
and courage displayed by this officer reflects great credit upon
himself and the armed forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 45th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 38 (July 14, 1944)
Home Town: Louisiana
BLOOM, ARTHUR A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Arthur A. Bloom, Technician Fifth Grade, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action in connection with a military operation
against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the
Medical Detachment, 386th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division.
In a fierce fire fight near Merten, Germany, on 7 April 1945,
Technician Fifth Grade Bloom, fearlessly advanced across fifty yards
of open terrain in the face of direct machine gun fire which pierced
his canteen, pistol belt and field jacket to the side of a man who had
fallen from enemy fire. Technician Fifth Grade Bloom's gallant
devotion to duty on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself
and the Armed Forces.
Headquarters, 97th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 37 (June 10, 1945)
Home Town: Pennsylvania
BOBO, WILLIE VERNON
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Willie Vernon Bobo, Private, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Company I, 3d Battalion, 331st Infantry Regiment, 83d Infantry
division, in action against the enemy on 13 July 1944 near Chateau
d'Auxais, France. When his company was subjected to intense machine
gun fire from an enemy tank placed in the line of its advance, Private
Bobo, completely disregarding his own safety, took an anti-tank
launcher and an extra round of ammunition and advanced toward the tank
line along a hedgerow which was being regularly sprayed with machine
gun fire and artillery bursts. Reaching an effective range, he stood
up in direct view of the tank and fired. As it began to turn he again
fired, secured a direct hit on the turret and knocked it out.
Headquarters, 83d Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 18 (1944)
Born: at Trezevant, Tennessee
Home Town: Trezevant, Tennessee
BOEHM, CHARLES M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Charles M. Boehm (31088313), Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with
Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division,
in Germany on 26 January 1945. Sergeant Boehm was leading a security
patrol near an enemy-occupied town. In order to achieve its objective,
it was necessary for the patrol to cross a mine field. Sergeant Boehm,
upon learning of the presence of the mine field from scouts, ordered
his patrol to follow at a safe distance while he explored for a safe
route across the field. Disregarding enemy machine gun fire, he
continued his advance, enabling the entire platoon to reach their
objective without a casualty. His courage and devotion beyond the call
of duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the
United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 73 (July 19, 1945)
Home Town: Malden, Massachusetts
BOLTON, ARTHUR K.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Arthur K. Bolton (0-535356), Second Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with the 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 3d Armored Division,
in action on 1 April 1945, in Germany. Second Lieutenant Bolton's
outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, the 3d Armored Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 3d Armored Division,
General Orders No. 63 (May 17, 1945)
Home Town: Georgia
BOND, VAN H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Van H. Bond (0-18601), Lieutenant Colonel
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while serving with the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry
Division. During the attack of the 39th Infantry against strongly held
enemy positions in the vicinity of Troina, Sicily, on 4 August 1943,
Lieutenant Colonel Bond, Commanding the 3d Battalion, which was
spearheading the assault of the Regiment, exhibited outstanding
gallantry in action. Moving forward at the head of the attacking
echelon of his battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Bond personally
supervised the maneuvering of his troops. When the position held by
his assault company in the vicinity of Hill 1190 was being
relentlessly counter-attacked by the enemy, seeing that their position
was in danger of being overrun by the surging enemy troops, and with
complete disregard for personal safety, he moved to a forward
observation post where he could observe enemy emplacements and direct
counter-battery. Although the observation post was under constant
direct hostile artillery, machine gun and small arms fire, he refused
to leave his position and was able to locate and bring fire on the
enemy gun positions. The resultant fire silenced the guns and enabled
the company to bring their weapons into play smashing the
counter-attack. Lieutenant Colonel Bond's personal courage, coolness
and bravery were an inspiration to the men of his command and are
outstanding examples of the highest ideas of the military service.
Headquarters, 9th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 83 (September 27, 1943)
Home Town: Cheyenne, Wyoming
BONIFIELD, DAYLE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Dayle E. Bonifield (35632515), Technical Sergeant
[then Staff Sergeant], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action on 9 April
1945, in the vicinity of Lampholdshausen, Germany. Technical Sergeant
Bonifield, with outstanding daring and aggressive leadership, led his
platoon at a dead run ahead of accompanying tanks into an enemy
position which lay beyond 700 yards of open ground, exposed to hostile
fire and captured or killed the enemy. Continuing the attack at the
same rapid pace, Sergeant Bonifield and his platoon drove through the
city and established a defensive line on the far side, while the
remainder of the company was engaged in clearing the town. Sergeant
Bonifield's magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire
reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of
the United States.
Home Town: Coshocton, Ohio
BOODRY, JAMES (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to James Boodry (0-1317876), First Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 100th Infantry
Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, on 9 and
10 May 1944, in the vicinity of Isola Bella, Italy. Lieutenant Boodry,
accompanied by another man, volunteered to go on a continued
reconnaissance behind enemy lines to get vital information needed for
subsequent raids. While moving up, they were subjected to enemy
machine gun and mortar harassing fires, as well as our own friendly
artillery fire, but fearlessly continued on to a vantage point
approximately 50 yards to the left rear of an enemy outpost and here
they remained all day, observing and noting enemy installations.
Lieutenant Boodry withdrew the following night with his comrade, and
reported to his organization with vital information, which materially
aided in the plans for a subsequent raid. Lieutenant Boodry's
outstanding performance without regard for his own personal safety was
in keeping with the highest tradition of the military services.
Headquarters, 34th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 48 (1944)
Born: 1918 at Clinton, Massachusetts
Home Town: Boston, Massachusetts
BOREN, ENOCH S.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Enoch S. Boren (38579798), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action and disregard for personal safety
while serving with the 9th Infantry Division, on 28 December 1944,
during operations in Germany. Private First Class Boren's actions
reflects highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the
United States.
Headquarters, 9th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 19 (January 31, 1945)
Home Town: California
BORGESON, ARTHUR S.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Arthur S. Borgeson (37269906), Technician Fifth
Grade, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company
A, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the
enemy in Germany on 28 October 1944. Technician Fifth Grade Borgeson's
outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 42 (February 17, 1945)
Home Town: Park River, North Dakota
BORKOWICZ, LEO M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Leo M. Borkowicz (33565046), Technician Fifth
Grade, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th
Armored Division, in Germany on 1 March 1945. When his platoon started
withdrawal from a heavily-defended road block, two members were left
pinned down by the intense fire. Corporal Borkowicz voluntarily
returned to the position in a one-quarter ton vehicle completely
exposed to heavy fire. He fought his way to the two helpless men and
succeeded in bringing them to safety. His actions reflect great credit
on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed
Forces of the United Sates.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 61 (July 4, 1945)
Home Town: Baltimore, Maryland
BOUGHTON, FORREST E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Forrest E. Boughton (36766760), Staff Sergeant
[then Private First Class], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while
serving with Company K, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry
Division, on 3 and 4 March 1945. During the attack on Styring Wendel,
France, when personnel changes were rapid because of casualties
sustained, Staff Sergeant Boughton, assumed command of his machine gun
squad. Despite heavy hostile artillery and mortar fire, he supported
attacking rifle platoons by rallying and maneuvering his men to a
position where they brought effective fire against enemy
fortifications. Later, when his section leader was wounded, he took
charge of the entire section. Exposed to enemy observation and fire,
he moved about his section to properly direct supporting fire covering
the assaulting rifle platoons. His courageous leadership and tenacious
devotion to duty enabled his company to seize its objective with a
minimum of casualties.
Headquarters, 70th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 53 (July 2, 1945)
Home Town: Watseka, Illinois
*BOUSQUET, ALFRED J. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Alfred J. Bousquet (11105758),
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving
with Company A, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 20
February 1945. During the bitter street fighting in Forbach, France,
Private First Class Bousquet's platoon was subjected to devastating
enemy machine gun, panzerfaust and mortar fire. Since the advance was
being held up he obtained permission to move forward under full
daylight observation of the hostile troops to gain closer contact.
Defying the intense fire he reached a point where he could determine
the key to the enemy positions and then in a final gesture of contempt
for the hostile fire he charged the vital machine gun nest, killing or
capturing the entire crew. His gallant action enabled his platoon to
advance and exemplifies the highest standard of courage in the Armed
Forces of the United States. In a later action Private First Class
Bousquet sustained wounds which proved fatal on 3 May 1945.
Headquarters, 70th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 93 (August 11, 1945)
Home Town: Saundersville, Massachusetts
BOWERS, RALPH T.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Ralph T. Bowers (33835800), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 7th
Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 23 January 1945, near
Ostheim, France, Private First Class Bowers single-handedly attacked
an enemy machine gun which had killed 1 soldier, wounded 10 more, and
forced the other members of his platoon to seek cover in a ditch.
Although bullets skimmed over his head, he crawled to a point 35 yards
from the enemy, and loaded his bazooka. Then, rising to his knee, he
fired one round into the hostile gun emplacement, killing the gunner
and wounding his assistant. With the enemy weapon silenced, his
platoon was able to resume its advance.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 223 (June 23, 1945)
Home Town: Easton, Pennsylvania
BOWLIN, LAWRENCE B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Lawrence B. Bowlin (38508626), Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with Company C, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in
Germany on 9 April 1945. When his tank was hit by enemy artillery,
Private Bowlin cleared himself of the wreckage. He then carried the
wounded ammunition loader to the safety of a nearby ditch. Leaving
this place of safety under continuing artillery and mortar fire, he
returned to the tank. While attempting to reach another man still
inside the vehicle he was critically wounded. His actions, without
regard for his own safety, reflect great credit on himself and the
Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 30 (May 9, 1945)
Home Town: Arkansas
BRACKMAN, OLIVER W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Oliver W. Brackman (0-405546), Major (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving
with Headquarters (Forward Echelon), 3d Armored Division, in action on
15 April 1945, in Germany. Major Brackman's outstanding gallantry and
devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 3d
Armored Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 3d Armored Division,
General Orders No. 63 (May 17, 1945)
Home Town: Ohio
BRADBURN, MORIN
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star
Medal to Morin Bradburn (55152766), Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant],
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 756th
Tank Battalion, 3d Infantry Division. At about 1200 hours on 17 April
1945, in the vicinity of Routles, Germany, Staff Sergeant Bradburn was
blocking while the infantry was assembling to continue the advance. He
was taken under fire by an 88 and although narrowly missed by the
first round, he did not seek cover but stood fast, engaging the gun in
a blazing duel during which the buildings beside and behind him were
practically shot away. Displaying outstanding courage, and skill in
the face of observed fire that narrowly missed his exposed tank on all
sides, he out shot and silenced the gun. His coolness and presence of
mind during the furious action enabled him to destroy a major obstacle
to the advance of our forces.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 223 (June 23, 1945)
Home Town: Rushville, Indiana
BRADY, JOSEPH W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Joseph W. Brady (6974912), Technical Sergeant
[then Staff Sergeant], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while
serving with Company M, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division,
in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Troina, Sicily, on 6
August 1943. Technical Sergeant Brady fearlessly proceeded over
terrain swept by intense hostile mortar, machine-gun, and small-arms
fire, selected advantageous gun positions, located targets of
opportunity, and directed effective machine-gun fire on attacking
forces. His undaunted courage and daring initiative enabled his
company to seize its objective and to capture a number of the enemy.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 23 (May 27, 1944)
Home Town: Newark, New Jersey
BRANT, DONALD H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Donald H. Brant (36873111), Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action and disregard for personal safety while
serving with the 9th Infantry Division, on 22 December 1944, during
operations in Germany. Staff Sergeant Brant's actions reflects highest
credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 9th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 19 (January 31, 1945)
Home Town: Michigan
BRITTAIN, CLARENCE H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Clarence H. Brittain (0-1821671), Captain
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with the 5th Infantry Division, in action on 18 and 19 July
1944, at St Lo, France. Upon hearing of the death of his company
commander, Captain Brittain, a company executive officer, immediately
went forward under intense artillery fire, assumed command of the
company and reorganized it. He than made a personal reconnaissance of
the approaches leading in the St Lo and constantly exposed himself to
the intense enemy fire to deploy his platoons most effectively.
Captain Brittain's intrepid actions, superlative leadership and utter
disregard for personal safety are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself and the armed forces.
Headquarters, 5th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 70 (1945)
*BRODOWSKI, EDWARD (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Edward Brodowski (32853538), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with Company A, 80th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in
Germany on 30 March 1945. Sergeant Brodowski took command of his
platoon when the platoon leader was absent. He pressed the attack of
the platoon until intense fire forced them to cover. While attempting
a break- through of the enemy position, Sergeant Brodowski's tank was
immobilized. He remained with the vehicle, directing the fire until
the turret was penetrated by artillery and Sergeant Brodowski was
killed. His courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on
himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 24 (May 3, 1945)
Home Town: Frankfort, New York
BROOMFIELD, CHARLES E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Charles E. Broomfield (38057085), Corporal, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the
54th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Armored Division, in action
on 22 December 1944, in Belgium. Corporal Broomfield's outstanding
gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the 3d Armored Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 3d Armored Division,
General Orders No. 63 (May 17, 1945)
Home Town: Texas
BROWN, MAURICE K.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Maurice K. Brown (0-315558), Major (Field
Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action on 6 December 1944 in
the vicinity of Mount Defense, Italy. While descending a trail down
the mountain which had been zeroed in by enemy mortars, Major Brown
and Captain Addison G. Wilson, Jr., were caught in a heavy mortar
concentration which killed four of our infantry and wounded several
others. Repeatedly exposing themselves to continued mortar and
artillery fire they gave first aid to the wounded. Then they proceeded
over a stretch of the trail and of open ground which was receiving
extremely heavy shell fire in order to reach the nearest Aid Station
and notify litter bearers where the wounded were located. Their
repeated risk of their lives in voluntarily exposing themselves to
heavy mortar and shell fire was far beyond the call of duty and
reflects the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, II Corps, General
Orders No. 36 (June 9, 1944)
Home Town: Los Angeles, California
BRYAN, ROBERT M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Robert M. Bryan (0-538953), First Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action against the enemy while serving with the 442d Regimental Combat
Team, attached to the 92d Infantry Division, on 8 April 1945, in
Italy. A rifle platoon had cleared a wooded area and encountered
hostile fire that covered open ground which extended for five hundred
yards. First Lieutenant Bryan, platoon leader, called for a rolling
barrage to cover the platoon's attack over the exposed ground.
Following the barrage, the platoon advanced to within two hundred
yards of woods on the other side when it was again stopped by enemy
machine gun and automatic weapons fire. Realizing the necessity for
immediate action, First Lieutenant Bryan rose in full view of the
enemy then, calling to his men to follow him, charged across the open
ground, firing from the hip into the enemy positions. The enemy
stubbornly held their positions and continued to return fire until
First Lieutenant Bryan killed a machine gunner. Enemy resistance then
weakened and later the foe was forced to withdraw. First Lieutenant
Bryan's gallant leadership reflects great credit on the Armed Forces.
Headquarters, 92d Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 93 (October 2, 1945)
Home Town: Detroit, Michigan
BUBAN, ELMER E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Elmer E. Buban (33670738), Sergeant [then Private
First Class], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy
while serving with Company A, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th
Armored Division, in Germany on 3 April 1945. While preparing a
position as security outpost, the squad of which Sergeant Buban was a
member, was attacked by a heavy enemy force. One machine gun was put
out of action. Without regard for his own safety, Sergeant Buban
continued to man the remaining weapon and halted the counterattack in
his sector. When the squad moved to a house and set up a defensive
position, he remained on guard at a window throughout the night
warding off enemy attempts to throw grenades and place rocket fire in
the building. His courage and disregard for his own safety reflect the
highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 76 (July 27, 1945)
Home Town: Munhall, Pennsylvania
BUGGANER, JOHN J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John J. Bugganer (0-1822952), First Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with the 703d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 3d Armored Division,
in action from 13 January 1945 through 4 March 1945, in Belgium and
Germany. First Lieutenant Bugganer's outstanding gallantry and
devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 3d
Armored Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 3d Armored Division,
General Orders No. 63 (May 17, 1945)
Home Town: Ohio
BURCH, CHARLES A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Charles A. Burch (0-535062), Second Lieutenant
(Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the
enemy while serving with Company C, 53d Armored Engineer Battalion,
8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. Lieutenant Burch
advanced more than 300 yards across open terrain to remove enemy mines
that were holding up the advance of his platoon. In carrying out this
mission he came under direct fire from artillery, mortars and small
arms. His decisive action, carried out without consideration for his
own safety, enabled his task force to advance and obtain their
objective. His action reflects great credit on himself and the Armed
Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 20 (April 22, 1945)
Home Town: San Antonio, Texas
BURKE, TIMOTHY J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Timothy J. Burke (31303666), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving
with Company B, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, in Germany on 11
April 1945. Private Burke led his squad, in the face of intense enemy
fire, to a strong point. Clearing it of the enemy, he quickly set up
counter defenses. He then made a personal reconnaissance to locate
enemy gun positions. Capturing three prisoners, he returned with the
prisoners and the necessary information. Later, when fire was so heavy
that evacuation of the wounded man was delayed, Private Burke crawled
two hundred yards under constant small arms fire to reach a wounded
squad member and evacuate him. His actions reflect great credit on
himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed
Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 25 (May 4, 1945)
Home Town: Swampscott, Massachusetts
BURKET, IVAN J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Ivan J. Burket (0-2006351), Second Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while
serving with Company H, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry
Division, on 25 February 1945, near Styring Wendel, France. While at
an 81-mm. mortar observation post, Lieutenant Burket, observing an
enemy counter attack, attempted to fight it off with hand grenades.
When the enemy closed in, making his position untenable, he grabbed an
arm load of hand grenades and ran to a pillbox twenty yards away.
During this action an enemy rifle shot pierced both forearms, forcing
him to drop the grenades. Inside the pillbox, he directed the
bracketing in of approximately 400 rounds of mortar shells on the
enemy all around the pillbox. Directly as a result of his gallant
actions, the counter attack was stopped.
Headquarters, 70th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 18 (March 16, 1945)
Home Town: Topeka, Kansas
BURKOWSKI, EMIL A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Emil A. Burkowski (16144174), Corporal, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action and disregard for personal safety while
serving with Troop A, 4th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron
(Mechanized), in action against the enemy on 20 December 1944, in
Germany. Corporal Burkowski's outstanding gallantry and devotion to
duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States
Army.
Headquarters, VII Corps, General
Orders No. 8 (March 8, 1945)
Home Town: Illinois
BURNS, JOHN G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John G. Burns (31302908), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 53d
Armored Engineer Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28
February 1945. While infantry forces were pinned down by a heavy
concentration of enemy fire, Sergeant Burns moved forward to clear a
heavily mined road block. Without consideration for his personal
safety, he continued the work of removing mines and setting
demolitions charges. The clearing of the road block and removal of the
mines enabled the tanks to advance and take their objective. Sergeant
Burns' actions were highly courageous and reflect greatest credit upon
himself and the Military Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 12 (March 22, 1945)
Home Town: Massachusetts
BURT, DONALD L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Donald L. Burt (38345212), Staff Sergeant [then
Corporal], U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action against the enemy while serving with Company E, 15th Infantry
Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 25 January 1945, at 0300 hours, a
by-passed enemy machine gun pinned most of Company E to the ground.
Staff Sergeant Burt ran back to the gun position and, although wounded
by the weapon's fire, he eliminated it with hand grenades, allowing
the company to proceed. At 1400 hours that day, small arms, artillery,
and mortar fire began to pound the company. Snipers, screened by the
converged fire, infiltrated the company line and threatened the life
of the Commanding Officer. Exposing himself completely to the snipers'
observation, Staff Sergeant Burt distracted their fire and was again
wounded. In this action he located a sniper and advanced to kill him.
As if in a continuous action, he immediately uncovered the position of
two others sniper positions and proceeded to successfully silence them
in a sharp encounter. Staff Sergeant Burt refused to leave the scene
of action until wounded for the third time later that day. His
actions, without regard for his own safety, reflect great credit on
himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 394 (December 15, 1945)
Home Town: Wichita, Kansas
BUSH, GEORGE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to George E. Bush (0-17634), Lieutenant Colonel
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action at Guadalcanal, Solomon
Islands, on 19 January 1943. In the attack upon a hill declared
impregnable after previous unsuccessful attempts to reduce its
fortifications, Lieutenant Colonel Bush planned and supervised the
tactical maneuver of each company of his battalion. He was constantly
at the forward positions of his battalion during the attack, exposing
himself often to heavy artillery and mortar fire and grenade bursts.
By his bravery and tactical skill Colonel Bush contributed greatly to
the high morale of the troops under him, and the capture of the hill
position with a minimum of casualties.
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in
the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 83 (April 8, 1943)
*BUSH, HAROLD E. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Harold E. Bush (35647184), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with
Company B, 749th Tank Battalion, attached to the 70th Infantry
Division, on 19 February 1945, near Styring Wendel, France. While the
infantry was reorganizing its positions a strong enemy force
re-occupied a key hill nearby. Arriving ahead of foot troops to repel
the enemy, Staff Sergeant Bush, realizing the situation required
prompt action, immediately moved his tank platoon into attack. When
the other tanks bogged in the mud, Staff Sergeant Bush, at great
personal risk, even though slow progress through the mud increased his
vulnerability to anti-tank fire, attacked the enemy. With his assault
implemented later by the infantry soldiers the hostile troops were
driven from the key position.
Headquarters, 70th Infantry
Division, General Orders No. 22 (March 23, 1945)
Home Town: Portsmouth, Ohio
*BUSSERT, CHARLES (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles Bussert (0-1016799), First
Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the
enemy while serving with Troop D, 88th Armored Reconnaissance
Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 25 February 1945.
Lieutenant Bussert volunteered to lead a patrol into heavily defended
enemy territory to secure information on the strength and disposition
of troops and to obtain prisoners for questioning. He led his patrol
across an obstacle-strewn river, through armed outpost guards, and to
an occupied town. After obtaining the required information he entered
a house on the outskirts of the town, captured two prisoners and
succeeded in bringing his entire patrol and prisoners safely back to
his own lines. His display of skill and courage in accomplishing this
dangerous assignment is in keeping with the highest traditions of the
Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division,
General Orders No. 49 (June 20, 1945)
Home Town: Amanda, Ohio
