David L. Colombe

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to David L. Colombe (37486968), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 414th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 November 1944, in Germany. Armed only with a trench knife after his rifle had been shattered by shell fragments, Sergeant Colombe leaped into an enemy foxhole and single-handedly captured two Germans. Securing a hostile automatic rifle from the emplacement, he voluntarily worked his way behind enemy lines. As pressure was exerted upon the enemy stronghold by his company, Sergeant Colombe killed seven Germans and wounded many more as they attempted to withdraw. His deadly fire demoralized the enemy force, resulting in the collapse of their defenses. Sergeant Colombe’s valorous actions, performed at great personal risk, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 104th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.