Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    109th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    28th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 10, 1944

    Headquarters, 28th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 15 (February 25, 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 Major (Infantry) Howard L. Topping (ASN: 0-1300886), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany on 10 November 1944. Major Topping was assigned the mission of moving his Battalion from the vicinity of Germeter, Germany, to a position approximately two miles away, to defend a road and heavily wooded draw from enemy infiltration and permit the remnants of a besieged friendly battalion to withdraw from an untenable position on high ground beyond. Major Topping immediately moved out at the head of his Battalion with a small reconnaissance party. The nearest route to his proposed position led across an open field which was under enemy artillery fire but as time was precious, he traversed the route, completely disregarding the personal danger involved. During the trip the party was twice fired upon by German artillery. Reaching the woods on the opposite side of the field near his objective, Major Topping observed a five-man enemy patrol moving toward him. When they were approximately 100 yards away Major Topping opened fire upon the enemy with his M-1 rifle, mortally wounding two of them. Continuing to his objective Major Topping observed another enemy patrol about 200 yards away. Again opening fire, he killed one of them and forced the others to flee in panic. In spite of an enemy mortar barrage, Major Topping remained at his position until he was thoroughly familiar with the ground he was to occupy. When he was about to leave, an enemy sniper from across the draw shot him through the left wrist. Major Topping returned to his Battalion but refused to be evacuated until after he had led his men to their positions. His daring action permitted the remnants of the besieged friendly battalion to safely withdraw. By his gallantry, aggressiveness and superior leadership Major Topping reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.