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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
120th Infantry RegimentDivision:
30th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
World War II
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Branner Pace Purdue (ASN: 0-16149), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944 and 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Purdue and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
120th Infantry RegimentDivision:
30th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 10, 1945
Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 178 (July 5, 1945)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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
120th Infantry RegimentDivision:
30th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 20, 1944
Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 115 (December 11, 1944), Amended by General Orders No. 1 (January 1, 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 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 21 November 1944, in Germany. As Colonel Purdue’s regiment was attacking an enemy village, Colonel Purdue was conspicuous by his gallantry and outstanding performance of duty. When the impetus of the attack slowed down due to heavy enemy fire, Colonel Purdue went forward to the assault elements of the regiment and unmindful of the hazard involved coordinated the assault and accompanied the leading platoons to the objective. After the objective had been taken, despite the heavy enemy fire throughout the area, he personally organized the defense of his units. The courage, professional skill, and zealous devotion to duty exhibited by Colonel Purdue reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.