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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Claude Ewing Lovett, Jr. (ASN: 0-521431), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 November 1944, in the vicinity of Koenigsmacker, France. During an assault by the 357th Infantry against an enemy-held hill near Koenigsmacker, France, a group of attacking infantrymen were pinned down in an open field near a barbed wire entanglement by intense enemy machinegun fire. Perceiving the situation, Lieutenant Lovett fearlessly crossed the exposed area to assume command of the isolated group. He boldly charged through the wire toward the enemy, and with accurate rifle fire killed the machine-gunner and forced the rest of the crew to withdraw. Then, though painfully wounded, he courageously led his troops against the new enemy position, inspiring them by his personal bravery to take and consolidate the position. First Lieutenant Lovett’s inspiring leadership, 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 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant]

    Regiment:

    357th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    90th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 12, 1944

    Headquarters, 90th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 35 (August 7, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Claude E. Lovett, Jr. (ASN: 0-521431), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with Company G, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. On 12 June 1944 attacking troops became disorganized due to heavy artillery and small arms fire. Despite the danger, Lieutenant Lovett gathered together some 40 men, resumed the attack and gained a position which he held, until ordered to withdraw. His display of leadership under fire was an inspiration to his companions and the remainder of the forces in that vicinity and prevent a complete disorganization.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    357th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    90th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1944

    Headquarters, 90th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 130 (November 26, 1944)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Claude E. Lovett, Jr. (ASN: 0-521431), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in France, on 3 October 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.