Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Regiment:

    330th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    83d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 7, 1944

    Headquarters, 83d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 28 (August 22, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Edwin O. Hentz (ASN: 34389251), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 330th Infantry Regiment, 83d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 July 1944, near ****, France. Following a furious barrage of artillery and mortar fire, the company to which Technical Sergeant Hentz was attached was attacked in great force by the enemy. With audacious courage Technical Sergeant Hentz picked up a light machine gun, slung an ammunition belt over his shoulder, leaped to the top of a hedgerow and, although fully exposed to enemy fire and observation, sprayed the field with intense fire. In the performance of this daring act he was hit by two concussion grenades and one fragmentation grenade, yet he continued firing so effectively that the entire group was able to maintain its organization despite the ferocity of the enemy attack. Technical Sergeant Hentz’ conspicuous devotion to duty and fighting spirit reflect great credit upon himself and the finest traditions of the military service.