|
The actual medal presented to
Pvt Zwingman. |
COPY
R E S T R I C T E D
HEADQUARTERS XVIII CORPS (AIRBORNE)
APO 2109, United States Army
CITATION FOR THE
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
Private Otto K. Zwingman, 32815665,
508th Parachute Infantry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in
action against the enemy on 6 June 1944, in France. After landing by
parachute before dawn on D-Day and joining a composite group which proceeded
to carry out a battalion mission, Private Zwingman and two comrades served
as an outpost in a building on the edge of Guetteville. When a battalion of
German infantry, reinforced by tanks, approached from the west and placed
machine guns and mortars in position, those three valiant men immediately
opened fire on the enemy. Ordered to leave the post, they determined to hold
out until the 30 men in the town had withdrawn. Private Zwingman assisted in
holding the hostile force at bay for two hours, killing 15 Germans and
wounding many others. His voluntary and courageous action delayed the enemy
sufficiently to permit the main body of parachute troops to establish
defensive positions to the east from which they were able to deny
overwhelming German forces the opportunity of crossing the Merderet River.
Private Zwingman is missing as a result of this action. His superb heroism
and unselfish devotion to duty exemplifies the highest traditions of the
United States Army. Entered service from New York.
M . B. RIDGWAY
Major
General, U.S. Army
Commanding
R E S T R I C T E D
COPY
|
