Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    9th Armored Engineer Combat Battalion

    Division:

    9th Armored Division

    Action Date:

    March 7, 1945

    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 49 (March 27, 1945)

    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 Eugene Dorland (ASN: 36046411), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 9th Armored Engineer Combat Battalion, 9th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 7 March 1945, in Germany. When the vehicle in which he was riding reached the Ludendorf railroad bridge across the Rhine River, Sergeant Dorland dismounted and approached the structure on foot. Although the bridge was rocked by demolition charges, and intense sniper, machine gun, and 20-mm gun fire was directed upon him, he moved along the entire length of the bridge, cutting wires leading to further demolitions. By his unhesitating action and cool courage, Sergeant Dorland prevented the immediate destruction of the bridge and enabled FIRST Army to establish a bridgehead on the east bank of the Rhine River, thus reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the military service.