Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Andre
N.
Laus
KIA (WWII)
1915

–

August 29, 1944

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Rhone

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chemical Warfare Service)

    Batallion:

    83d Chemical Battalion

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 64 (November 23, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to First Lieutenant (Chemical Warfare Service) Andre N. Laus (ASN: 0-353944), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 83d Chemical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, on or about 10 July 1943. When the landing craft holding his company was grounded in deep water and heavy surf and was being subjected to intense enemy machine gun and coast-artillery fire, Lieutenant Laus swam ashore to determine the depth of water and beach conditions. He returned to his craft and, while guiding his men ashore, saved a drowning soldier’s life. His outstanding courage and exemplary leadership were largely instrumental in the successful landing of his company with a minimum of casualties. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chemical Warfare Service)

    Batallion:

    83d Chemical Mortar Battalion (Separate)

    Division:

    Chemical Warfare Service

    Action Date:

    August 29, 1944
    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 44 (February 10, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Chemical Warfare Service) Andre N. Laus (ASN: 0-353944), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 83d Chemical Mortar Battalion (Separate) Chemical Warfare Service, in action against enemy forces on 29 August 1944 near Brianon, France. When his company’s defensive position was attacked by a superior enemy force, Lieutenant Laus climbed through intense machine gun fire to an exposed position from which he directed effective mortar fire on the enemy troops, temporarily halting their advance. Taking advantage of this situation, Lieutenant Laus obtained a light machine gun and crawled back to his observation post where, despite intense fire, raking machine gun and mortar fire, he succeeded in destroying twenty of the hostile force. When enemy fire finally hit his ammunition belt causing a jam in the gun, Lieutenant Laus, displaying distinguished bravery, seized a rifle and inflicted substantial casualties among the advancing enemy. Ordered by the forces commander to withdraw along a road, which was under heavy machine gun fire, Lieutenant Laus volunteered to make the initial advance to determine the safety of the road. After advancing about two hundred yards he was killed by enemy machine gun fire. Lieutenant Laus’ heroic sacrifice and courageous leadership served as a lasting impression to his men and reflects the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.