Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    117th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 10, 1945

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 159 (June 19, 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 Donald H. Sunkel (ASN: 35629879), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 January 1945, in Belgium. Private First Class Sunkel advanced with two other men under enemy observation to a position from which he helped knock out an enemy tank which was holding up the advance of two companies. Although he was subjected to a hail of tank and machine gun fire, he succeeded in crippling another tank and forcing a third along with supporting infantrymen to withdraw, thereby allowing the two rifle companies to continue their advance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Sunkel, 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.