Interesting Notes:
Technician Fifth Grade Leonard P. Elder also earned the Distinguished Service Cross in WW II.
Captain John Erbes earned the Silver Star an incredible 4 times during WW II. In addition, he earned the Distinguished Service Cross and the Bronze Star. He is quite possibly the most decorated AMEDD Soldier to date.
Captain Leland Evans braved falling bombs to treat casualties of his battalion and an adjacent unit. The bombs were falling from allied planes
* Denotes Posthumous Award
EASTON, WILLIAM H.
Technician Third Grade, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 7th Armored Division
Date of Action: September 9, 1944
Synopsis, Citation Needed:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Third Grade William H. Easton, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 7th Armored Division, in action in France, on 9 September 1944. Technician Third Grade Easton`s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: General Order No 54, Headquarters 7th Armored Division, 20 September 1944
Home of Record: Michigan
EATON, ROBERT. B
Technician Fourth Grade, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 3d Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division
Date of Action: 5 January 1945
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Robert B. Eaton (ASN: 39467653), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 3d Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 5 January 1945, at Kilstett, France, Technician Eaton ran forward through intense enemy artillery fire, administered first aid to a wounded soldier who was lying behind an isolated building which was being subjected to an enemy concentration, and carried the wounded man to safety.
General Orders: Headquarters, 42d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 13 (1945)
Home of record: Spokane, Washington
EATON, HARLEY C.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 80th Infantry Division
Action Date: January 21, 1945
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harley C. Eaton (ASN; 20411815), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 21 January 1945 in Luxembourg. During the fighting in Burscheid, Luxembourg, on 21 January 1945, a wounded man was lying helplessly in an exposed position, Voluntarily, Private First Class Eaton, an Aid Man, endeavored to evacuate the casualty. Twice driven back by the intensity of enemy fire, he reached the soldier on the third attempt and, although painfully wounded twice during this action, he succeeded in carrying the injured man to safety despite the constant heavy fire. He then returned to the platoon and administered first aid to eleven casualties before treating his own wounds. The bravery, initiative, and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Eaton were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 48 (February 17, 1945)
Home of record: Georgia
EDWARDS, JAMES H.
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 31st Infantry Division
Date of Action: 6 May 1945
Citation:
By direction of the President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (War Department Bulletin 43, 1918), a Silver Star is awarded by the Commanding General, 31st Infantry Division to Staff Sergeant James H. Edwards, Medical Department, United States Army, for gallantry in action near Maramag, Minanao, Philippine Islands on 6 May 1945. When the enemy suddenly launched a banzai attack against the infantry battalion to which he was assigned as medical section leader, resulting in casualties in the battalion, Staff Sergeant Edwards, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved among the wounded in an exposed position administering vital first aid under heavy enemy machine gun, rifle and mortar fire. During the fire fight he was cut off with a small detachment of men who were protecting the wounded who were not able to move. After forming a junction with the main body of troops, he supervised the evacuation of the wounded and then made a lone reconnaissance of the area for any casualties that might have been missed. This act reflects great credit upon Staff Sergeant Edwards and upholds the highest traditions of the Service.
General Orders: General Order number 125, Headquarters, 31st Infantry Division, 28 August 1945
Home of Record: Hollandale, Mississippi
EDWARDS, WILLIAM F.
Captain, Medical Corps, U.S. Army
2d Field Hospital
Action Date: 7-Dec-42
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Corps) William F. Edwards, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Officer assigned to the 2d Field Hospital at Sememi, New Guinea, on 7 December 1942. Captain Edwards cared for the sick and wounded, working courageously and fearlessly, entirely oblivious of his personal safety, while continually being bombed and strafed by enemy planes. Captain Edwards` gallant actions and dedicated devotion to his fellow man, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: The Military Surgeon, March 1943
Home of record: New Albany, Indiana
ELAN, DORSIE C.
Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 387th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division
Action Date: 28-Apr-45
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Dorsie C. Elan, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with a military operation against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Corpsman with the Medical Detachment, 387th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division. While advancing on Nemenreuth, Germany, on 28 April 1945, a rifle platoon received sudden fire from enemy automatic weapons at a range of 700 yards. The first burst of fire inflicted four casualties and for half an hour the platoon was held in place along an open road. Disregarding the enemy fire falling in the area Technician Fifth Grade Elan moved among the wounded men giving aid and assisting in removing them to covered locations. Technician Fifth Grade Elan`s gallantry under hostile fire reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.
General Orders: Headquarters, 97th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 37 (June 10, 1945)
Home of record: Ohio
ELDER, LEONARD P.
Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division
Date of Action: World War II
Synopsis: Citation Needed
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Leonard P. Elder, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division during World War II. The bravery and self-sacrifice displayed by Technician Fifth Grade Elder’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: General Order number 1, Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, 1945
*Technician Leonard P. Elder was also awarded a Distinguished Service Cross in WW II
ELLEFSON, HARLOW E.
Private, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, Engineer Regiment
Date of Action: Unknown
Synopsis: Citation Needed
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star to Private Harlow E. Ellefson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving in WW II. The bravery and self-sacrifice displayed by Private Ellefson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Order: General Order number 18, Headquarters, II Corps, 1944
ELLIOTT, LESTER G.
Private, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 9th Infantry Division
Date of Action: World War II
Synopsis: Citation Needed
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star to Private Lester G. Elliott, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 9th Infantry Division during World War II. The bravery and self-sacrifice displayed by Private Elliott’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: General Order number 94, Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, 1944
ELSHOFF, MATTHEW A.
Private, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 80th Infantry Division
Action Date: November 14, 1944
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Matthew A. Elshoff (ASN: 15260103), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 14 November 1944 in France. While serving as an Aid Man with an infantry rifle company, Private Elshoff exposed himself to intense danger from heavy enemy artillery fire to render medical assistance to the seriously wounded crew of a supporting tank. Again during the attack, Private Elshoff voluntarily advanced under heavy fire from the enemy to administer first aid to the wounded and moved two seriously injured comrades from their completely exposed positions to a nearby defilade for shelter. The personal bravery, disregard for safety, and loyal devotion to duty displayed by Private Elshoff were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 97 (December 7, 1944)
Home of record: Washington
EMERSON, GEORGE M.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 58th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Action Date: March 30 & April 4, 1945
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class George M. Emerson (ASN: 39618044), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 58th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 30 March 1945 and 4 April 1945. When an infantry company, attacking an enemy city, called for medical aid, Private Emerson volunteered. He crossed open terrain under intense sniper fire, without regard for his own safety, to attend to the wounded in the attacking company. Later when three platoons were attacking another town, Private Emerson advanced without regard for his own safety, running and crawling under intense fire for four hundred yards across open terrain. Although enemy rifle fire barely cleared him, he rendered aid to a wounded soldier. While so doing he was himself wounded. Disregarding his own injury he dragged the wounded man back across the open terrain to safety. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces and reflect great credit on himself and the service.
General Orders: Headquarters, 8th Armored Division, General Orders No. 76 (July 27, 1945)
Home of record: Montana
ENGEL, CHRIS
Technician Fourth Grade, Medical Department U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 35th Infantry Division
Date of Action: 11 November 1944
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, and pursuant to authority contained in AR 600-45, dated 22 September 1943, as amended, and Circular 6, Headquarters Third United States Army, 26 April 1944, a Silver Star Medal is awarded to Technician Fourth Grade Chris Engel, Medical Department, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 35th Infantry Division in action near ***, France, on 11 November 1944. When infantrymen were mounted on tanks in the attack against ****, Technician Engel, an Aid Man, followed the armored vehicles on foot. When one of the tanks was struck, it burst into flames, trapping two wounded men within its blazing walls. Without regard for personal safety and, in the face of intense enemy artillery, mortar, machine gun and small arms fire, Technician Engel leaped upon the side of the burning vehicle and extricated the two men. He administered first aid to the two wounded men and had directed their evacuation, when he heard a call for medical personnel from another direction. Heeding this call, again without thought of personal safety, he traversed the dangerous ground, in view of the enemy, and reached and administered aid to a wounded soldier, whom he then carried to the aid station. The gallant actions of Technician Engel are in accordance with the traditions of the military service and the Medical Department of the Army.
General Orders: General Order number 57, Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, 18 December 1944
Home of Record: Minnesota
ENGELMAN, LEROY H.
Private First Class
Medical Detachment, 11th Infantry, 5th Infantry Division
Date of Action: WW II
Synopsis: Citation Needed:
Private First Class Leroy H. Engelman, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 5th Infantry Division during World War II. The bravery and self-sacrifice displayed by Private First Class Engelman’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: General Order No 42, Headquarters, 5th Infantry Division, 1944
ENGELSON (AKA ENGELSEN), OLAF S.
Private, U.S. Army
9th Medical Battalion, 9th Infantry Division
Date of Action: Unknown
Synopsis: Citation Needed
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star to Private Olaf S. Engelson (also spelled Engelsen), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving in WW II. The bravery and self-sacrifice displayed by Private Engelson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Order: General Order number 62, Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, 1945
EPLEY, JOSEPH E.
Private, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 9th Infantry Division
Date of Action: World War II
Synopsis: Citation Needed
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star to Private Joseph E. Epley, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 9th Infantry Division during World War II. The bravery and self-sacrifice displayed by Private Epley’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: General Order number 96, Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, 1944
EPPLEMAN, HERBERT O.
Captain, Dental Corps, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 503rd Infantry, XI Corps
Date of Action: 1945
Synopsis: Citation Needed
By direction of the President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bulletin 43, WD, 1918), a Silver Star is awarded by the Commanding General, XI Corps to Captain Herbert O. Eppleman, Dental Corps, United States Army, for gallantry in action at Corregidor, Philippine Islands 1945. His gallantry in action were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: General Order number 9, Headquarters, XI Corps, March 1945
Home of Record: Unknown
ERBES, JOHN (First Award)
Captain, U.S. Army (Medical Corps)
67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division
Action Date: During the period *** to *** December 1942
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John Erbes, Medical Corps, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Surgeon, 67th Armored Regiment in action against an armed enemy. During the period *** to *** December 1942, Captain Erbes distinguished himself by aggressively and conspicuously treating and evacuating the wounded of Company ***, 67th Armored Regiment near ***, Tunisia, moving through enemy anti-tank artillery and small arms fire and with total disregard of his own safety. The tenacity, courage, and coolness of Captain Erbes were in the highest military tradition. .
General Order: Headquarters, 2nd Armored Division, General Orders NO. 19, 21 February 1943
Home of record: Nebraska
ERBES, JOHN (Second Award)
Captain, U.S. Army (Medical Corps)
3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division
Action Date: 7 August 1944
Citation:
Under the provisions of Army Regulation 600-45, as amended, you are awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star for gallantry in action by Section I, General Order Number 46, this Headquarters, dated 29 September 1944, as set forth in the following: Captain John Erbes, Medical Corps, 67th Armored Regiment, United States Army. For gallantry in action against the enemy on 7 August 1944 in France. At about 1400, 7 August 1944, the Command Post of the 3d Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, was subjected to intense artillery fire. During this shelling, one officer was mortally wounded by a shell fragment and Captain Erbes, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, exposed himself to the flying shell fragments, staying with the wounded officer and administering plasma in a vain attempt to save his life. After the wounded officer died and while still under heavy artillery shelling, Captain Erbes, in the company of another solder, went to the aid of another badly wounded soldier. This man was evacuated to safety only after Captain Erbes and the soldier in his company had crossed open ground directly exposed to continual shell bursts. The valor and courage displayed by Captain Erbes reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service.
General Order: Headquarters, 2nd Armored Division, General Orders NO. 46, 29 September 1944
Home of record: Nebraska
ERBES, JOHN (Third Award)
Captain, U.S. Army (Medical Corps)
3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division
Action Date: 6 October 1944
Citation:
Under the provisions of Army Regulation 600-45, as amended, you are awarded the Second Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star for gallantry in action by Section I, General Order Number 70, this Headquarters, dated 30 November 1944, as set forth in the following: Captain John Erbes, Medical Corps, 67th Armored Regiment, United States Army. For gallantry in action against the enemy on 6 October 1944 in Germany. During this action on the 6 October 1944, Captain Erbes arrived at the objective of the 3d Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, shortly after the leading elements. He established a forward aid station at the position using his men to dig a suitable shelter. The entire position was exposed to enemy observation from three sides and was subjected to heavy shelling constantly. Disregarding the hostile fire, Captain Erbes repeatedly exposed himself to this enemy fire to personally seek out and treat reported casualties. On one occasion when four enemy planes came over the area and shot down a Corps artillery plane, Captain Erbes voluntarily rushed with a half track ambulance about 100 yards across the exposed area, in an attempt to remove the occupants of the plane. As he approached the burning plane, the enemy placed an artillery air burst over the plane. Regardless of the fact that a high air burst is usually followed by a concentration, Captain Erbes recovered the body of an occupant of the plane and determined that the pilot was dead and could not be removed from the burning wreckage before leaving the scene. Captain Erbes personally remained at the forward station until ordered to rotate with his assistant surgeon. The valor, courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Erbes reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service.
General Order: Headquarters, 2nd Armored Division, General Orders NO. 70 30 November 1944
Home of record: Nebraska
ERBES, JOHN (Fourth Award)
Major, U.S. Army (Medical Corps)
3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division
Action Date: 3 January 1945
Citation:
Under the provisions of Army Regulation 600-45, dated 22 September 1943, and Memorandum Number 34, Headquarters Ninth U.S. Army, dated 8 September 1944, the Third Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star is awarded to the following named officers of the United States Army:
Major John Erbes, Medical Corps, 67th Armored Regiment, is awarded the Third Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action on 3 January 1945 in Belgium. On this date near La Mormenil, Belgium, Major Erbes saved the lives of eleven wounded American soldiers by evacuating them on a half track ambulance through an enemy mine field and through heavy enemy artillery fire. This evacuation took place during the fiercest phase of the counter-attack and would have meant the capture of the eleven wounded men and the possible death of two of them who were seriously wounded.
General Order: Headquarters, 2nd Armored Division, General Orders NO. 28, 5 May 1945
Home of record: Nebraska
*ERICKSON, DELBERT
Private First Class, Medical Department U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 35th Infantry Division
Date of Action: 26 February 1945
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, and pursuant to authority contained in AR 600-45, dated 22 September 1943, as amended, and Memorandum 34, Headquarters Ninth United States Army, 8 September 1944, as amended, a Silver Star is awarded, posthumously, to Private First Class Delbert Erickson, Medical Department, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 35th Infantry Division in action near ***, Germany, on 26 February 1945. During the course of an attack by the 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, in the darkness of early morning hours, attacking echelons encountered heavy concentrations of enemy fire in fields containing an unusually great amount of enemy anti-personnel mines. Private Erickson, a litter bearer, realizing the need for additional Aid Men to treat the numerous casualties, voluntarily assumed the task of Aid Man, entered the dangerous area, and despite the enemy mortar and machine gun fire and the presence of enemy mines, proceeded upon his errand of mercy. While so engaged, he stepped upon a mine and was killed. The gallant actions of Private Erickson are in accord with military tradition and reflect credit upon the Medical Department of the Army.
General Orders: General Order number 22, Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, 28 March 1945
Home of Record: Washington
*ESENWEIN, ERICH K.
Private, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division
Date of Action: 1945
Synopsis: Citation Needed
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star to Private Erich K. Esenwein, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 31st Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division during World War II. The bravery and self-sacrifice displayed by Private Esenwein’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: History of the 3d Infantry Division in WW II, (Donald G. Taggart – Editor)
Home of Record:
*ETHRIDGE, JOHN B.
Private First Class, Medical Department, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 35th Infantry Division
Date of Action: 11 August 1944
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, and pursuant to authority contained in AR 600-45, dated 22 September 1943, as amended, and Circular 66, Headquarters First United States Army, 18 May 1944, as amended, the Silver Star Medal is awarded posthumously to Private First Class John B. Ethridge, Medical Department, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 35th Infantry Division in the vicinity of ***, France, on 11 August 1944. During the bitter combat operations near ****, Private Ethridge, an Aid Man attached to Company L, *** Infantry Regiment, displayed such courage and steadfastness in administering first aid to the wounded, that his actions served as an inspiration to all soldiers in the area. During an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage, Private Ethridge advanced into the field of fire to continue his work of caring for and evacuating the wounded, and was himself mortally wounded. Private Ethridge`s gallantry and zealous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon his character as a soldier, and upon the Medical Department of the Army.
General Orders: General Order number 44, Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, 16 October 1944
Home of Record: Arkansas
EVANS, LELAND M.
Captain, Medical Corps, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 30th Infantry Division
Date of Action: 25 July 1944
Citation:
Under the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, and pursuant to authority contained in Memorandum 34, Headquarters Ninth United States Army, 7 October 1944, the Silver Star is awarded to Captain Leland M. Evans, Medical Corps, 743rd Tank Battalion, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 25 July 1944, in France. Captain Evans was serving as the surgeon for his unit, which was supporting the 119th Infantry Regiment in a large scale attack against the enemy. During the friendly bombing that proceeded the attack, some of the bombs fell short and a number of casualties were sustained by personnel of his battalion. While bombs were still dropping, Captain Evans left the safety of his covered shelter and administered aid to the wounded. After he had given assistance to the wounded in his battalion, Captain Evans voluntarily and at great risk to his life, left his aid station and went to the assistance of the surgeon of the infantry regiment, where he unselfishly worked until all casualties had been treated. Throughout the period, the enemy was shelling the area continuously.
General Orders: General Order number 110, Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, 30 November 1944
Home of Record: California
*EVANS, ROBERT L.
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 31st Infantry Division
Date of Action: 8 May 1945
Citation:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bulletin 43, War Department, 1918) a Silver Star is awarded posthumously to Staff Sergeant Robert L. Evans, Medical Department, United States Army, for gallantry in action Maramag, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 8 May 1945. When the infantry battalion to which he was assigned as section leader of the medical section met heavy organized resistance from an enemy force well dug-in in a thickly wooded area, Staff Sergeant Evans, with several other technicians, upon hearing the call for litter-bearers voluntarily and with complete disregard for his own safety moved forward in front of the lines in the face of heavy automatic and sniper fire to evacuate the wounded. Then, as darkness approached, the companies were ordered to withdraw and establish a perimeter, Staff Sergeant Evans, who had already made several trips to evacuate the casualties, upon hearing the cry of a wounded man well in front of the lines, without hesitation proceeded towards the man under the continuing heavy fire but was mortally wounded before he could reach him. This act reflects great credit upon Staff Sergeant Evans and upholds the highest traditions of the Service.
General Orders: General Orders number 57, Headquarters, 31st Infantry Division, 29 May 1945
Home of Record: Sanford, Florida
