Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    823d Tank Destroyer Battalion

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 25, 1944

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 116 (December 11, 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 Captain (Field Artillery) Bruce A. Crissinger (ASN: 0-383332), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 823d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 25 September 1944, in Germany. Captain Crissinger, prior to an assault on the Siegfried Line, in order to neutralize as many enemy positions as possible, led a gun squad into a particularly hazardous position in order to deliver effective fire at a key enemy pillbox. To do so it was necessary to move the gun to a position within eight hundred yards of hostile troops under direct enemy observation. After firing sixteen rounds, the enemy pillbox had been destroyed, and Captain Crissinger and his comrades returned their gun to its original position. This entire action was accomplished under extremely heavy enemy artillery fire and in this daring act Captain Crissinger knowingly risked his life to successfully perform his mission. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by Captain Crissinger reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.