Halbert E. Olson

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Halbert E. Olson (37585303), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 February 1945, in Germany. Private Olson, intending to throw a grenade in a cellar, pulled the pin, but as he commenced hurling the missile, it became entangled in his clothing, the striker hitting the primer. Instantly realizing the terrible danger to everyone near him, he plunged several paces forward and curled his body over the grenade so that he absorbed all its fragmentation and no one else was injured. He gave his life for his fellow soldiers. Private First Class Olson’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous 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 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.