Olin E. Teague

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Olin E. Teague, 0294931, Infantry, 314th Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action as battalion commander in France. On 24 June 1944 Lieutenant Colonel Teague made a personal reconnaissance of his battalion’s objective, which took him deep into the enemy’s lines. Next morning (25 June 1944) under heavy enemy artillery, mortar and automatic weapons fire, he personally led his battalion against the objective. When some of the men faltered, Lieutenant Colonel Teague coolly and courageously exposed himself to enemy fire and urged them to follow him forward. He was wounded slightly in the action, but the battalion objective was accomplished. On 3 July 1944 the battalion was advancing through heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire when Lieutenant Colonel Teague was wounded in the back. Because the operation was at a crucial phase, he disdained medical attention until the objective had been taken. Success of the action was due in large part to his display of heroic leadership and coolness under fire. His conduct in both of these actions reflect highest credit on himself and the military forces of the United States.