Gilbert Van Every

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gilbert Van Every (39831209), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 20 December 1944. On that date, during fierce action near Bastogne, Belgium, Private First Class Van Every’s platoon of the 506th Parachute Infantry was pinned down by strong enemy forces. Courageously moving his light machine-gun to a position in front of his platoon, Private First Class Van Every delivered a deadly stream of fire which disorganized the enemy attack and permitted his companions to establish firing positions. Then, against repeated counterattacks and although the focus for concentrated fire, he held his exposed position and with skillful, deadly fire inflicted tremendous losses upon the enemy. The fearless determination Private First Class Van Every displayed and his courageous, heroic devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.