*KEFURT, GUS
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company K, 15th Infantry, 3d
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Bennwihr, France, 2324 December 1944. Entered
service at: Youngstown, Ohio. Birth: Greenville, Pa.
Citation:
He distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the
call of duty on 23 and 24 December 1944, near Bennwihr, France. Early in the attack S/Sgt.
Kefurt jumped through an opening in a wall to be confronted by about 15 Germans. Although
outnumbered he opened fire, killing 10 and capturing the others. During a seesaw battle
which developed he effectively adjusted artillery fire on an enemy tank close to his
position although exposed to small arms fire. When night fell he maintained a 3-man
outpost in the center of the town in the middle of the German positions and successfully
fought off several hostile patrols attempting to penetrate our lines. Assuming command of
his platoon the following morning he led it in hand-to-hand fighting through the town
until blocked by a tank. Using rifle grenades he forced surrender of its crew and some
supporting infantry. He then continued his attack from house to house against heavy
machinegun and rifle fire. Advancing against a strongpoint that was holding up the
company, his platoon was subjected to a strong counterattack and infiltration to its rear.
Suffering heavy casualties in their exposed position the men remained there due to S/Sgt.
Kefurt's personal example of bravery, determination and leadership. He constantly exposed
himself to fire by going from man to man to direct fire. During this time he killed
approximately 15 of the enemy at close range. Although severely wounded in the leg he
refused first aid and immediately resumed fighting. When the forces to his rear were
pushed back 3 hours later, he refused to be evacuated, but, during several more
counterattacks moved painfully about under intense small arms and mortar fire, stiffening
the resistance of his platoon by encouraging individual men and by his own fire until he
was killed. As a result of S/Sgt. Kefurt's gallantry the position was maintained.
