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

STANTON H. MESENBRINK, 39684243, Staff Sergeant, 508th Parachute Infantry. For heroic conduct in action on 1-2 October 1944 near *** HOLLAND. Staff Sergeant MESENBRINK, Platoon Sergeant, Company “E”, was in position with his platoon in the Company “E” sector under heavy enemy artillery fire followed by a fierce German attack with the main enemy effort directed against the company armored vehicles approached to within a few hundred yards, and the platoon leader ordered a withdrawal from the position, during which control was temporarily lost. Staff Sergeant MESENBRINK disregard all attempts to seek cover from the artillery fire and succeeded in regaining control of the squads of the platoon in the vicinity of the Company CP and partially reorganized the platoon. While in this act he was wounded in the leg but continued despite his handicap and led the platoon back to the Company CP where further reorganization was effected. The courageous actions of Staff Sergeant MESENBRINK at this critical stage probably prevented many casualties within his platoon and enabled it to return to a position in the battalion MLR. Entered military service from CALIFORNIA.