Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    509th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Separate)

    Action Date:

    March 15 – 16, 1944

    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 78 (May 11, 1944)

    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 Corporal Boggs George Collins (ASN: 35275416), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on the night of 15 – 16 March 1944, while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Separate), FIFTH U.S. Army, near Carano, Italy. When his own company was relieved from action after a successful attack, Corporal Collins voluntarily remained behind to assist the relieving company in the installation of an automatic rifle position. The enemy suddenly launched a counterattack to regain lost ground. After firing a few rounds at the attacking German force, Corporal Collins handed his weapon to another man and made his way across open terrain under small arms and artillery fire to a light machine gun position to ascertain why the weapon was not firing. Finding the gun destroyed beyond repair, he realized that he and two other men were the only ones left in the forward position. In spite of overwhelming enemy fire superiority, Corporal Collins decided to remain in the forward area. He crawled back to his automatic rifle position and found that the weapon had jammed. Applying immediate action, he resumed fire. He and his two companions drove off the enemy, capturing two and killing several others. Corporal Collins then ordered the withdrawal of his two men and the prisoners, and captured two more Germans while returning to friendly lines. By his willingness to remain at his position after being relieved, Corporal Collins was largely responsible for the complete disruption of an enemy counterattack. His courageous performance reflects the highest traditions of the United States Army.