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Elery Zehner graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1937. So his men could always easily find him on the battlefield, he wore a red scarf, a style that dozens if not hundreds of men his battalion would later emulate, and under Zehner’s leadership the 1st battalion became known as the “Red Raiders.” He retired in 1967 as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    399th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    100th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 9, 1945

    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 34 (January 30, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Elery Martin Zehner, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 1st Battalion, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Ryersviller, France, on 9 January 1945. When one of his companies and ten supporting tanks wee immobilized by enemy fire, Colonel Zehner, Acting Regiment Commander climbed into the lead tank and driving the vehicle himself went far out in advance of his troops. Directing his tank gunner’s fire, he reduced several enemy positions. With complete disregard of his personal safety, Colonel Zehner continued to direct the attack of his troops until, inspired by his brilliant and daring leadership, they took their objective. Lieutenant Colonel Zehner’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.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    399th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    100th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 4, 1944

    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 544 (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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Elery Martin Zehner, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 4 November 1944, in the vicinity of St. Remy, France. When the leading companies in the battalion’s first offensive action at St. Remy stalled under German artillery and machine gun fire, Lieutenant Colonel Zehner marched over 400 yards of open ground to personally lead the advance into the town. Lieutenant Colonel Zehner’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.