Navy Federal Credit Union

Born in Switzerland, at age 15 Rudolph Steinman ran away from cadet school to join the French Foreign Legion, and subsequently came to the United States in 1923. His actions on New Years Day 1945 earned him not only a Silver Star, in addition to his previously awarded Distinguished Service Cross, but also a battlefield commission. At the time of his heroic actions he was 46 years old.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    399th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    100th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 16, 1944

    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 69 (February 28, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Technical Sergeant Rudolph Steinman (ASN: 32653355), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 November 1944, in the vicinity of Raon L’Etape, France. Sergeant Steinman led an ammunition detail to a company cut off in the Vosges mountains. Acting as a one-man patrol during a company approach march, he cleared out a machine gun nest, killing two and capturing 16, to open the route of the company. Technical Sergeant Steinman’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 100th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Regiment:

    399th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    100th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 1, 1945

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Technical Sergeant Rudolph Steinman, United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 1 January 1945. At the outset of the Germans’ New Year’s Day attack near Bitche, Sergeant Steinman led his machine gun section in recapturing a height, then manned a gun nearest the enemy, firing 1,200 rounds of ammunition and driving back successive waves of attackers with heavy casualties. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.