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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Vernon W. Gardner (ASN: 15382182), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 July 1944, in France. Private Gardner was performing his duties as a cannoneer with his anti-tank platoon at the time when it was undergoing the most intense concentration of enemy artillery fire it had ever experienced. Private Gardner, observing one of his comrades seriously wounded by a direct hit on his covered position, a the risk of his own life, ran to the spot and rescued the wounded man. Still under the perilous fire he effected the wounded man’s evacuation to a safe area. Private Gardner’s bravery and unselfish consideration for his comrades reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    117th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 10, 1945
    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 159 (June 19, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Corporal Vernon W. Gardner (ASN: 15382182), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 January 1945, in Belgium. Corporal Gardner advanced with two other men under enemy observation to a position from which he helped knock out an enemy tank which was holding up the advance of two companies. Although he was subjected to a hail of tank and machine gun fire, he succeeded in crippling another tank and forcing a third along with supporting infantrymen to withdraw, thereby allowing the two rifle companies to continue their advance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Gardner, 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.