Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fifth Grade

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 31, 1944

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 73 (1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Ernest E. Zinn, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 31 January 1944. Corporal Zinn laid over two miles of heavy wire from the Headquarters of his Infantry Regiment to a battalion in broad daylight, over flat and open terrain, with enemy artillery shells bursting within 10 yards of him, and bullets from enemy snipers and machineguns hitting within inches of him. His accomplishment of this mission, after two men attempting to lay wire were severely wounded, enabled the battalion to call for friendly artillery in time to smash a German counterattack and to hold on to the newly won positions at Ferminamerla. 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.