Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    119th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 13, 1945

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 171 (June 27, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Frank J. Stenger (ASN: 33426547), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 13 January 1945, in Belgium. While advancing in a night attack against a town, Private First Class Stenger’s unit was pinned down by accurate fire from a machine gun. Locating the position of the machine gun, Private First Class Stenger crawled toward it from the flank unobserved. When he reached the building from which the gun was firing he unhesitatingly reached up and grasped the barrel of the gun and tore the weapon from the enemy gunner’s hands. Thrown into confusion by Private First Class Stenger’s bold action, the enemy threw one grenade and then abandoned their gun and withdrew. Private First Class Stenger’s gallant action enabled his unit to resume its advance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Stenger, 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.