Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Ben
Sternberg
February 28, 1914

–

January 2, 2004

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Ben Sternberg graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1938. He retired in 1971 as a U.S. Army Major General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 23 – 25, 1943
    Headquarters, U.S. Army-North African Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 50 (July 9, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ben Sternberg (ASN: 0-21286), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 23 to 25 March 1943, near El Guettar, Tunisia. In a determined effort to destroy the preliminary American offensive in t his sector, more than 200 enemy tanks, halftracks and armored vehicles attacked the 1st Infantry Division at dawn on 23 March. Lieutenant Colonel Sternberg, at great personal risk and with complete disregard of danger to himself, immediately circulated throughout his battalion area, exposing himself to severe enemy machine gun, mortar and artillery fire in the treeless terrain in order to shift critical positions, stiffen resistance and personally direct local counter-attacks. When the battalion was once more subjected to furious enemy assault, Lieutenant Colonel Sternberg stimulated his troops by his own example to such determined resistance that the enemy was beaten off and the position held intact. The indomitable courage and initiative displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Sternberg inspired his command to greater efforts and aided materially in the success of the mission.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 7 (February 21, 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ben Sternberg (ASN: 0-21286), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily in 1943. During an advance upon the enemy, Colonel Sternberg, disregarding grave danger, boldly proceeded through a heavily mined area and succeeded in clearing a path for his men by personally disarming a number of mines. His dauntless courage and outstanding initiative won him the respect and admiration of his entire command. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Sternberg, 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1943 – 1944
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Ben Sternberg (ASN: 0-21286), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, from 1943 to 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Sternberg and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    Military Assistance Command, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    January 1964 – March 1966
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 15 (April 1966)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Ben Sternberg (ASN: 0-21286), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as J-1, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, during the period from January 1964 to March 1966. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Sternberg and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.