The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Branner Pace Purdue (ASN: 0-16149), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 April 1945, in Germany. In an effort to capture a bridge intact across a canal, Colonel Purdue moved to the head of his column and drove through all resistance. He engaged in a fire fight with a group of the enemy and then advanced three hundred yards in front of the next vehicle where he forced eleven of the enemy to surrender after a brief fire fight. Colonel Purdue’s outstanding courage and leadership was a source of inspiration to all who witnessed his actions. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Purdue, 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.

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 Colonel (Infantry) Branner Pace Purdue (ASN: 0-16149), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 March 1945, in Germany. Although he was hurled from his position by the concussion of a shell which landed only ten feet from him, Colonel Purdue gallantly refused to seek shelter but remained in his position under the continuing enemy fire t o direct the movement of his men in a line along the Rhine River. His great heroism in risking death from fifteen shells which landed near his position to care of his men inspired them in the subsequent fighting on the east bank of the river. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Purdue, 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.