Gervase E. Eckenrod

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gervase E. Eckenrod, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 26th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 November 1944 in Germany. Lieutenant Eckenrod led his company through a series of assaults in order to clear a wood area of two man bunker defenses. Though wounded twice in subsequent actions, he so reorganized his company as to lead towards the edge of a town which was bitterly defended. Though enemy tanks came in support of enemy infantry, Lieutenant Eckenrod, with disregard for his life in face of certain annihilation, held his position and inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy until his position was attacked and overrun. First Lieutenant Eckenrod’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 26th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.