George A. Whitfield

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George A. Whitfield (33418676), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 326th Airborne Medical Company, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 September 1944, between Saint Oedenrode and Vechel, Holland. Two friendly tanks were knocked out by enemy 88-millimeter gun fire while attempting to open the road between Saint Oedenrode and Vechel. Hearing that personnel from tanks lay wounded in an exposed position without medical aid, Private Whitfield voluntarily drove his quarter-ton truck to the rear of the burning armor, concealed his vehicle, and crawled to the aid of two seriously wounded comrades. He administered aid under enemy fire, made his way back to his vehicle, and despite the enemy fire and exploding tank ammunition, drove his vehicle past the tanks. He loaded the wounded men on the vehicle in full view of the enemy, and drove the casualties to the aid station. Private Whitfield again drove to where the tanks were burning, again concealed his vehicle behind a small building, and in the face of enemy fire and the still exploding ammunition, searched the area for more wounded personnel. A direct hit was made on the building, and the vehicle covered with debris. Clearing his vehicle of the debris, he located several wounded, and, under enemy observation and fire, loaded the wounded and carried them to the aid station. His heroic actions saved the lives of his comrades and were an inspiration to all troops in the area. Private Whitfield’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.