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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ervin H. Pure (ASN: 19203556), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 23 January 1945, in the vicinity of Bennwihr, France. Private First Class Pure heard the cries of a fellow soldier who lay injured in an enemy mine field and was unable to move because three Germans were firing at him. Seeing the helpless soldier’s predicament, he rushed to his aid. Midway in his rush he stopped to return the fire of the enemy. At that time, he was on a flat plain, exposed to enemy small arms and shell fire. Private First Class Pure’s gallant rush so disconcerted the enemy soldiers that he was able to kill one and wound two. He carried the wounded man from the mine field to a place of safety. Private First Class Pure’s gallantry in action is in keeping with the highest tradition of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    34th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 10, 1950
    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 64, (August 1, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Ervin Heliodoro Pure (ASN: 0-2210151), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, on 10 July 1950 near Chonan, Korea. The enemy had succeeded in penetrating front line positions and had set up a section of 50 caliber machine gun covering the roads used by friendly forces. Lieutenant Pure organized a patrol which he personally led while under heavy machine gun fire to a position within hand grenade range, throwing several grenades, then assaulting the gun position to destroy the enemy machine gun. He then reorganized his patrol and directed movement of friendly troops that had been pinned down by the enemy fire. The leadership and courage displayed by Lieutenant Pure in the face of great danger reflects the highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces.