|
LEROY F. THIEROLF, 13021269, Sergeant, 508th Parachute Infantry.
For Gallantry in action on 25 December 1944 at ***, Belgium. Sergeant THIEROLF,
Squad Leader, LMG Platoon, Headquarters, Third Battalion, was sent with four
men to dig machine gun positions overlooking the approaches to a roadblock
that was being established on a road from that which was pierced by the
battalion MLR. Before the positions were completed an attack was made
by an estimated force of two battalions of Germans reinforced by several
armored vehicles. Because his orders had been to dig the positions and
await the arrival of the machine gun, Sergeant THIEROLF was determined to
remain as ordered. He held his men and defended the position with
rifle fire and a few grenades. The Germans made a frontal attack and
from the flanks. Some Germans were killed within 15 feet of the
emplacement. Although their ammunition was running low, Sergeant THIEROLF
refused to withdraw and remained until the attack was repulsed and the enemy
forced to retreat. His courage in a desperate situation and resistance
against great odds, reflects great credit upon himself and the Airborne
Forces of the United States Army. Entered military service from
OREGON.
|
