Vern L. Gough

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Vern L. Gough (38691312), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, on 14 April 1945, in Germany. When two hundred enemy infantrymen supported by tanks made a determined counterattack, Private Gough, a machine gunner, steadfastly manned his weapon and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy despite the intense fire falling all around him. Although he was almost buried by a tank shell which exploded near him, he extricated himself and continued firing. Private Gough gallantly remained in his position until the enemy was routed.