The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant [Infantry) Claude M. Ecabert (ASN: 0-1293733), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany on 25 October 1944. Moving into a new sector in which the enemy held heavily fortified positions, Lieutenant Ecabert was assigned the mission of obtaining information regarding hostile strength and disposition. Initial contact with the enemy resulted in locating two machine gun positions on commanding ground. Efforts of a combat patrol to reach these emplacements were halted by exploding mines. Lieutenant Ecabert then led a patrol of seven men into this zone. Sending two men to the left flank, he led the remainder in a rush directly to the front. Hostile fire was encountered immediately. At great personal risk, Lieutenant Ecabert continued to drive forward through a deep network of antipersonnel mines, booby traps and trip wires. This aggressive and courageous action caught the enemy by surprise resulting in their position being overrun and the capture of three prisoners. As a result of Lieutenant Ecabert’s daring and initiative, valuable information was obtained, and a threat to American lives removed. His courage, initiative and wholehearted application to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant]Regiment:
22d Infantry RegimentDivision:
4th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 3, 1945
Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 93 (1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Claude M. Ecabert (ASN: 0-1293733), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Bruhlbern, Germany, 3 March 1945. Captain Ecabert was acting commander of a company which was being delayed in its attack by flanking and frontal enemy machine gun fire. Heavy casualties were being suffered. Immediate action was necessary to prevent disorganization. Captain Ecabert crawled to within fifty feet of a machine gun position and threw a grenade, killing the enemy gunner and his assistant. Eluding enemy rifle fire and unfaltering in his purpose, he crawled back to his men and led them on to the objective. The mission accomplished he immediately established his defenses and ministered to the care and evacuation of the wounded. Captain Ecabert’s courage, initiative and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant]Regiment:
22d Infantry RegimentDivision:
4th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 18, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Claude M. Ecabert (ASN: 0-1293733), United States Army, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in the Hurtgen Forest, Germany, 18 November 1944. Captain Ecabert was commanding the leading platoon in an attack through a heavily wooded area when artillery inflicted heavy casualties on his platoon. Disregarding the loss of a third of his fighting strength, he swiftly reorganized his platoon and continued to lead the attack. When almost upon the day’s objective, the platoon encountered three enemy artillery observers. Captain Ecabert personally killed one and captured the other two. His aggressive, determined leadership was a major factor in the company’s successful attack. While setting up his line for the night and assuring himself of the safety and well being of his men, he was wounded by shell fragments. Captain Ecabert’s courage, initiative and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.