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 Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant John A. Hambric (ASN: 34581156), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 13 April 1945, in the vicinity of Heilbronn, Germany. After the platoon in which Sergeant Hambric was a squad leader had gained a wooded area, fire from two enemy machine guns, which were unknowingly bypassed, immobilized the company’s two remaining platoons. Crawling to a point seventy-five yards to the rear of the nearest hostile emplacement, Sergeant Hambric fired two rounds, killing both gunners. Moving out again, he then advanced to a position behind a second gun. His first shot killed one of the gun crew members, but the other German, firing a machine pistol, initiated a suicidal charge. Standing his ground, Sergeant Hambric waited until the foe was forty yards away, then killed the man with two rounds. His audacious and unselfish devotion to duty accounted for two enemy machine guns destroyed, four German dead, and enabled his company to take its objective. Sergeant Hambric’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 100th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    399th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    100th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 100th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 5 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John A. Hambric, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action at Baccarat, France, during World War II. Sergeant Hambric’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.