The story
| Award | |
| Name: | Crosson, Thomas A. |
| Date of birth: | Unknown |
| Nationality: | American |
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SILVER STAR | |
| Rank: | Staff Sergeant | |
| Unit: | Company G, 3rd Battalion, 242nd Infantry Regiment, 42nd Infantry Division "Rainbow", U.S. Army | |
| Awarded on: | April 28th, 1945 | |
| Action: | Citation: "For gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 20 March 1945, near Ludwigswinkel, Germany. During the attack upon the Siegfried Line, Company G, 242d Infantry established its command post near the south bank of the Saarbach River. When the wire crew failed to arrive, Sergeant Crosson volunteered to go back to ascertain the reason for the delay. Crossing an open field in bright moonlight in full view of the enemy, under enemy machine gun and mortar fire, he located the wire where it had been left by the crew after laying it part way. Picking up the wire and returning under enemy machine gun and mortar fire, Sergeant Crosson laid the line to the command post. His courage and daring initiative resulted in the establishment of vital communications and made possible the adjustment of artillery fire on well-fortified enemy positions." |
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| Details: | General Orders No. 47, Headquarters 42dd Infantry Division (April 28, 1945). | |
Exact location?
Kermit D. Anderson
Awards and Citations
Silver Star
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Kermit D. Anderson (ASN: 0-2010787), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 19 March 1945, at Ludwigswinkel, Germany, while leading his platoon in supporting the bridgehead, Lieutenant Anderson found the 1st Platoon of his company disorganized. Taking command of both platoons, he placed them in position and then made his way under heavy mortar and small arms fire from one foxhole to another organizing the men. He continuously exposed himself to enemy fire to locate enemy machine gun nests so that the tanks supporting his platoon could fire upon them. When one of his men was wounded, Lieutenant Anderson administered first aid and carried the wounded man to safety through intense enemy small arms and mortar fire.
General Orders: Headquarters, 42d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 27 (1945)
Action Date: 19-Mar-45
Service: Army
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Company: Company K
Regiment: 232d Infantry Regiment
Division: 42d Infantry Division
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