Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    350th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    88th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 18, 1945

    Headquarters, 88th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 76 (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 Private First Class Elton F. Campbell (ASN: 34581126), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 April 1945, in the vicinity of Mt. Adone, Italy, On this day Company F was the leading company in the assault on the deeply entrenched enemy in this sector. Private First Class Campbell was lead scout of the battalion with the hazardous mission of seeking out enemy and selecting a path for the battalion trough the mine-strewn road. An enemy machine gun opened fire from commanding ground on the leading elements of the battalion. Private First Class Campbell with no regard for his safety, immediately returned the enemy fire. He then crawled forward, alone, through the hail of bullets and threw hand grenades at the enemy nest. His actions so seriously threatened the enemy position that all its fire was concentrated on Private First Class Campbell, but he boldly continued the advance. Heedless of bullets churning the ground around him, Private First Class Campbell crawled to within twenty yards of the enemy weapon and assaulted the machine gun single-handedly, causing the enemy soldier manning the gun to surrender. His daring action enabled the battalion to continue its rapid advance with no casualties. Private First Class Campbell’s splendid courage, magnificent aggressiveness, and superb initiative was an inspiration to all who witnessed his actions. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Campbell, 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.