Ergo Iosbaker

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ergo Iosbaker, Lieutenant Colonel, Field Artillery, United States Army for gallantry in action on 8 August 1944 near L’Arche, France. By his calm and resourceful leadership and his prompt and effective utilization of available Headquarters personnel, he successfully defended his Command Post against an unexpected attack by a superior hostile force. By vigorous offensive action, under his personal leadership, Lieutenant Colonel Iosbaker’s Headquarters Group engaged the enemy despite his superior numbers and advantage in position and armament, and after a forty-fve minute engagement, killed two and captured one hundred seventeen of whom three were wounded – all without loss or injury to personnel of his command. While the prisoners were being disarmed a French civilian fired into the group throwing the Germans into a panic and it was due mainly to Lieutenant Colonel Iosbaker’s presence of mind and total disregard for his personal safety and aggressive action the Command Post continued to carry out it’s firing mission of coordinating the delivery of mass fire on a German column withdrawing toward Le Mans. Lieutenant Colonel Iosbaker’s heroic action reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

By direction of the President, under the provisions of Army REgulations 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended, and Section I, Circular 89, Headquarters North African Theater of Operations, United States Army, 10 July 1944.