Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fifth Grade

    Batallion:

    111th Engineer Combat Battalion

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 22, 1944

    Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 261 (July 30, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Troyce W. Reich (ASN: 34107571), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 111th Engineer Combat Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 June 1944, in Italy. While driving his commanding officer on a reconnaissance to check for engineer minefield work, Technician Fifth Grade Reich was informed at partisan headquarters that an enemy force was occupying a nearby farmhouse. He immediately volunteered to lead a patrol of partisans to wipe out the resistance. Although the hostile group directed intense small arms fire at the approaching jeep, he drove close to the house; then led his five companions over 150 yards of flat, open terrain, constantly subjected to the heavy sweeping machine gun and rifle fire, directly to the farmhouse. Displaying unusual daring, he burst into the building and fired into the midst of the startled enemy. Because of his outstanding aggressiveness and splendid leadership, he and the partisans succeeded in capturing six enemy prisoners and in clearing the area of the hostile force. 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.