Garland W. Dettmann

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Garland W. Dettmann (36276276), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 22nd Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy on 5 April 1945, in the vicinity of Meiningen, Germany. While serving as a member of the Reconnaissance Platoon, Private Dettmann was making a reconnaissance of the area in front of advancing tank elements. Private Dettmann and members of the Reconnaissance Platoon were successful in destroying two and capturing seven enemy Panzerfaust teams thus enabling the tank elements to proceed. While entering Meiningen, Germany, the Reconnaissance Platoon came under heavy small arms fire. While most of the platoon took cover Private Dettmann stayed in his vehicle, gave valuable information over his radio to advancing tanks, and manned the machine gun until he was seriously wounded by an enemy sniper. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.