Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    105th Engineer Combat Battalion

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1944

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 130 (December 21, 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 Staff Sergeant Louis K. Beard (ASN: 32350919), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 105th Engineer Combat Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 October 1944, in Germany. Staff Sergeant Beard, a Platoon Sergeant, was given the mission of erecting a steel treadway bridge across a rive to be used during an assault upon the Siegfried Line, Staff Sergeant Beard voluntarily made a personal reconnaissance of the river in an area which was under enemy observation and heavy fire from a nearby pillbox. After the operation began, he personally led his comrades to the bridge site where construction work was begun. Several times during the construction, heavy enemy fire hit in the immediate vicinity, temporarily stopping the operation. Each time, however, Staff Sargent beard rallied his men and personally assisted in completing the bridge. The heroic achievement at this time made a material contribution to the success of a very important tactical operation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Beard, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.