Loma M. Hash

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Loma M. Hash (37738830), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 398th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 7 April 1945, in the vicinity of Odheim, Germany. When stubborn enemy resistance halted the attack, Sergeant Hash moved forward alone, alternately running and crawling, and first hurled a grenade into an opposing machine gun emplacement and then charged the position, killing three occupants. His action inspired his comrades to follow him and he continued to advance, firing into each entrenchment. When two hostile soldiers surrendered to him, and then attempted to fire upon his comrades, he killed them both. The enemy directed intense fire at him, but Sergeant Hash refused to seek cover and was eventually killed while charging enemy positions. The indomitable courage which he displayed was directly responsible for the accomplishment of his company’s mission. His 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 100th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.