Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    461st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion (Separate)

    Action Date:

    September 19 – 21, 1944

    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 87 (November 27, 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 Private Sheldon David Jennings, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 461st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, in action against enemy forces while covering the construction of a bridge over the Sauer River near Wallendorf, Germany, from 19 to 21 September 1944. When the platoon was subjected to intense and accurate enemy machine gun and small arms fire, Private Jennings, voluntarily and with complete disregard for his own safety, single-handedly evacuated two abandoned anti-aircraft guns. Daringly, and of his own volition, he returned to the scene and manned an anti-aircraft weapon in plain view of the enemy. He placed devastating fire upon a machine gun located in a pillbox and silenced it, and remained at his post firing at other enemy strong points. On the following day, Private Jennings again exposed himself to heavy fire, voluntarily manned an anti-aircraft gun for the entire day, thereby vitally assisting in the protection of the bridge. Private Jennings’ 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 and the United States Army.