Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    119th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 25, 1945

    Headquarters, NINTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 295 (June 22, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Maynard M. Jerome (ASN: 35550279), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Rodingen, Germany, on 25 February 1945. During an attack upon an enemy-held town, heavy enemy artillery fire pinned down Staff Sergeant Jerome’s squad. Despite the intensity of the fire, Staff Sergeant Jerome moved among his men shouting encouragement and instructions, and courageously led them from the danger area. When they came within 200 yards of the town, intense tank and machine gun fire was encountered and again, Staff Sergeant Jerome moved among his men, maintaining control and leading them forward. Although seriously wounded by machine gun fire, he gallantly rose and was successfully advancing his entire squad when he was instantly killed. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Staff Sergeant Jerome exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.