Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    Foreign

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    1st Armored Regiment

    Division:

    5th Armored Division, French Army

    Action Date:

    January 29, 1945

    War Department, General Orders No. 88 (1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel Pernot Du Breuill, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Armored Regiment, 5th Armored Division, French Army, in action against enemy forces in France, on 29 January 1945. Colonel Du Breuill was directly responsible for the conspicuous victories of his command. During the operations at Andolsheim, he was caught in the attack of eight enemy tanks. Not until his own tank was aflame did he abandon it, and even when forced to do so, he retained personal command of his armored units without yielding to the attackers. Throughout this bitter struggle, Colonel Du Breuill demonstrated magnificent calm and complete disregard for his safety under intense fire, and by routing the on-rushing German tanks, turned what appeared to be a hopeless struggle into a notable victory.