Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    313th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    79th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 2, 1945

    Headquarters, 79th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 75 (May 12, 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 Sergeant Joseph Enderer (ASN: 32639843), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 313th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 April 1945 in Germany. When the German civilian mayor of Ruhort approached the battalion headquarters saying that he would accompany an American officer into German lines in an attempt to secure the surrender of enemy forces in the city of Duisburg, Sergeant Enderer volunteered to accompany the group as interpreter. After braving the dangers of enemy lines without arms and under a white flag of truce the group reached an enemy headquarters. Although the mission was unsuccessful, the tact and knowledge of the German language exhibited by Sergeant Enderer assured the safe return of the American soldiers to friendly lines. Whereas he and the officer had been blindfolded throughout the trip, the German mayor was allowed, through Sergeant Enderer’s persuasion, to pass without a blindfold due to a slight lameness and was later able to give valuable information as to enemy strength and disposition. The courage and cool thinking displayed by Sergeant Enderer in the face of the enemy reflect highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.