Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    328th Medical Battalion

    Division:

    103d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 2, 1944

    Headquarters, 103d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 181 (June 15, 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 Private First Class Hyman W. Zemel (ASN: 13129716), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with a Medical Detachment of Company A, 328th Medical Battalion, 103d Infantry Division. On the night of 2 December 1944, informed that several casualties were lying in a house on the outskirts of Selestat, France, Private Zemel and his litter squad waded a river and, disregarding machine gun and artillery fire after crossing, continued on to the house. Although warned of active enemy patrols, Private Zemel led his squad with a wounded man back to the river. Again encountering artillery and machine gun fire, he advanced along the river and, discovering a sloping bank, placed the litter on his shoulders and carried the casualty through the neck-deep water to the aid station. Private First Class Zemel’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.