About 10-12 years later when he was interviewed by another grandson, Tony wrote "he was commanded to find out what was causing the communication problem after her rejoined his battalion south of Cassino near Mignano…He had to go over ditches and through trenches where he had to climb over dead bodies while the enemy was dropping motor shells all around. He reestablished communications and that is why he received the Silver Star."
I think he minimized his gallantry. The following is taken from the official record of his award:
* * * * E_X_T_R_A_C_T * * * *
I - AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR. Under the provisions of Armsy Regulations 600-45, a Silver Star is awarded the following named officer:
JOHN B. ARMSTRONG, O-354947, First Lieutenant, 15th Infantry. For gallantry in action. On 10 November 1943, near Mignano, Italy. Lieutenant ARMSTRONG, with complete disregard for his personal safety, crossed 1000 yards of open field, exposing himself for two hours to heavy small arms, mortar, and artillery fire, with shell fragments and bullets striking within 10 yards of him, in order to reach a company which was not in contact with the battalion. Upon reaching the company he found it under artillery and motor fire. Displaying exemplary courage, he aided in reorganizing the company and the reestablishment of its communications, reporting the situation to the Battalion Commander. His gallant actions were instrumental in the formation of necessary plans for the company to proceed to its objective. Residence at appointment: Los Angeles, California.
* * * * E_X_T_R_A_C_T * * * *
By command of Major General TRUSCOTT
 |
| Probable movement of Lt. John B. Armstrong at the Battle of the Mignano Gap1 |
"Across the Volturno - US Army Center Of Military History." 2007. 10 Nov. 2013 <http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/volturno/volturno-across.htm>
No comments:
Post a Comment