Navy Federal Credit Union

Technical Sergeant Everett W. Worley, Staff Sergeant Charles W. Humphrey, Jr., and Private Donald Davies, were the three members of the patrol referenced in this citation. Both Technical Sergeant Worley and Staff Sergeant Charles Humphrey were murdered by the German officer after refusing to give up important information under interrogation, and Private Davies was shot twice and severely wounded, but was subsequently rescued by his company. All three men were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    12th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1944

    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 319 (July 16, 1945)

    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 Technical Sergeant Everett William Worley (ASN: 6882218), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Hamby, France, on 31 July 1944. As leader of a three-man patrol, Technical Sergeant Worley advanced far beyond his company lines in an effort to determine enemy strength and dispositions. The patrol suddenly found itself surrounded by an enemy force of superior strength. The enemy promptly closed in, captured the trio and marched them to a nearby barn. A German officer, addressing the Technical Sergeant Worley, demanded that he divulge the location and strength of the attacking American unit. The Technical Sergeant Worley refused to comply, whereupon the German officer shot and killed him. Technical Sergeant Worley’s willingness to accept death rather than betray his fighting comrades exemplifies the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflects great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.