Harold R. Beavers

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Harold R. Beavers, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion, attached to the 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, at Normandy, France. First Lieutenant Beavers landed on the coast of France under heavy enemy small arms, machine gun, mortar and artillery fire with the initial assault wave. During this landing the company commander was killed in action, First Lieutenant Beavers calmly and courageously assumed command of the disorganized company and moved forward up the beach. When another officer in the company was seriously wounded First Lieutenant Beavers, despite the intense enemy fire and without regard for his own personal safety, dismounted from his tank, placed the wounded officer onto his tank and moved the tank through an enemy mine field to a place from which the aid men could remove the wounded officer. First Lieutenant Beavers then mounted his tank and directed the company in the opening of a beach exit. First Lieutenant Beavers’ outstanding leadership, 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 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.