Elbert J. Hall

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Elbert J. Hall (34445389), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 22 November 1944, in Germany. Private Hall was a member of a forward scout party that advanced under intense hostile fire and occupied a group of buildings at Jager Haus, Germany, along the route to the company objective. When the party was subjected to a counterattack he assumed a strategic position and by sustained accurate rifle fire prevented the enemy from infiltrating. Machine gun, mortar, rocket and grenade fire was concentrated against him; he was wounded several times, but he courageously held his post until reinforcements fought their way to him five hours later. Private Hall was killed in action the following day but his heroic stand lives on as an inspiration to his comrades. His fearless determination and supreme devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.