Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    137th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 14 & 15, 1944

    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 51 (November 8, 1944), Amended by. 27 (1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William T. Humphreys (ASN: 0-1302467), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Normandy, France, on 14 and 15 July 1944. Lieutenant Humphreys assumed command of Company I, 3d Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, on 14 July when his commanding officer became a casualty. He displayed outstanding leadership in directing the fire and movement of his troops, led them forward in the face of stubborn enemy resistance, then organized defensive positions. On the following morning he led his unit in an attack on enemy machine gun emplacements that were delivering harassing fire upon his troops, and personally threw hand grenades to knock out the enemy positions. As he was reorganizing his company in preparation for a continuation of the attack, he was killed by enemy artillery fire. Lieutenant Humphrey’s gallant actions reflect the highest credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men.