Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    362d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    91st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 17, 1944

    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 143 (August 24, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Carroll Daulton Eggers (ASN: 34435462), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 362d Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Strada, Italy, on 17 July 1944. On the morning of 17 July 1944, Sergeant Eggers heavy machinegun squad was on the left flack of the 2d Battalion. The Germans attacked and his squad was badly shot up, suffering many casualties. Sergeant Eggers remained behind his machine gun, facing the determined attack, and poured heavy fire on the foe until they were forced to retreat. The well-armed and numerically superior enemy returned once again, this time raining heavy mortar fire on Sergeant Eggers’ position. Again, Sergeant Eggers withering and deadly fire forced the enemy to retreat. Under additional fire they attacked for a third time and almost as soon as the attack commended, Sergeant Eggers was struck by an enemy bullet in the jaw, knocking him from his gun. The situation was desperate for his gun crew but despite his painful wound, Sergeant Eggers called an ammunition carrier and ordered him to hold him up. Thus resting in the arms of a comrade, Sergeant Eggers once more fired with deadly effect, finally driving back the third attack, before he was himself shot in the head by an enemy sniper and killed at his gun. Sergeant Eggers actions repulsed the enemy three times and held them long enough for 81-mm. guns to be brought up, which repelled two more enemy attacks. Sergeant Eggers’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 91st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.