GO 19. SECTION III, AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL

WARD T. ECOFF, 15382287, Staff Sergeant, 508th Parachute Infantry. For heroic conduct in action on 21 September 1944 at ***, HOLLAND. Staff Sergeant ECOFF, Platoon Sergeant, [illegible] while leading his platoon in support of [illegible] German positions in ***. A German strong point directed heavy automatic weapons fire into the attacking company, pinning down at least one platoon. In the darkness, control was momentarily lost and the attack began to lose its momentum. Staff Sergeant ECOFF, upon his own initiative, moved about the dark, fire-swept position and located an ATRL Team. He led this team forward and directed accurate fire, which knocked out the German strong point and allowed his company to move forward. Entered military service from ANDERSON, INDIANA.