Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    66th Armored Infantry Battalion

    Division:

    12th Armored Division

    Action Date:

    January 19, 1945

    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 140 (April 10, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Howard Frederick Gumm (ASN: 32527944), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 66th Armored Infantry Battalion, 12th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces near Weyersheim, France, on 19 January 1945. Sergeant Gumm commanded an M-8 assault gun mounted on a light tank chassis when he encountered an enemy Tiger Tank. A number of American Infantry were pinned down the Tiger. Sergeant Gumm ordered his men to shoot at the Tiger, even though there was no chance they could destroy the tank, but he hoped they would be able to disable the enemy tank by shooting at the treads. The Tiger tank was diverted by this action, allowing the infantrymen to escape, but not before it destroyed Sergeant Gumm’s gun and killed the intrepid Sergeant and two of his men. Sergeant Gumm’s 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 12th Armored Division, and the United States Army.