Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    254th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    63d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 17, 1945

    Headquarters, 63d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 540 (August 16, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alfred J. Heppler (ASN: 0-1183879), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Cannon Company, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 17 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. During the night the battalion was surrounded by the enemy and completely cut off from the remainder of the regiment. Lieutenant Heppler, by adjusting timely artillery fire on the enemy assisted materially in breaking up the counterattack. Later in the same day the enemy counterattacked again in an effort to regain pillboxes. Lieutenant Heppler, in the face of heavy enemy fire and from an exposed position, directed a devastating barrage on the attacking forces, even though it was once necessary to bring his own artillery fire to within fifty yards of his position, thereby endangering himself. The courage, initiative and tenacity of purpose displayed by Lieutenant Heppler in this action greatly contributed to the defeat of the enemy counterattacks and are in keeping with the fine traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.