Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Regiment:

    315th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    79th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 11, 1945

    Headquarters, 79th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 73 (May 10, 1945)

    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 Floyd S. Best (ASN: 36517666), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving in the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 January 1945 in France. As they withdrew in the face of a heavy enemy counterattack, Sergeant Best and four others found an inactive fifty-seven millimeter gun which they put into action against the enemy. Although this action drew heavy enemy fire they continued to fire on the enemy until the ammunition was exhausted. Continuing their withdrawal after removing the breech block of the weapon, the group observed an inactive tank and a tank destroyer. Although, subjected to enemy observation and direct fire, Sergeant Best manned the gun on the tank destroyer while the others fired the guns mounted on the tank and maneuvered into position. The effective volume of fire delivered by this small group gave friendly units time to reorganize and repel the enemy attack. The courage and steadfastness under fire displayed by Sergeant Best reflect high credit on himself and the armed forces of the United States.