The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Emil Praeger, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Weibersbrunn, Germany, on 1 April 1945. Sergeant Praeger ran 100 yards through machine gun and rifle fire to locate an enemy strong point. Returning to his squad, he brought it within 25 yards of the Germans, directed a tank into position, and dashed from the house under murderous fire. He came out with 22 prisoners, a machine gun, machine pistol, several rifles, and a store of ammunition. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Born:
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
SergeantBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
15th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 1, 1945
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
SergeantBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
15th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
December 27, 1944
Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 220 (May 28, 1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Emil Praeger, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Sigolsheim, France, on 27 December 1944. Sergeant Praeger charged 50 yards down a French street deluged with enemy automatic fire to assault two strongpoints. He charged, single-handedly, into one house and forced the surrender of two machine pistolmen and, although painfully wounded himself, killed the two-man crew in the second stronghold. Sergeant Praeger’s 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, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.