The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Nelson Tonegates (ASN: 39912312), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, 6 June 1944. When his company was menaced by strong pockets of resistance, Private Tonegates voluntarily preceded his comrades and, by deliberately drawing fire, forced enemy gunners to disclose their locations. Although risking almost certain death, Private Tonegates continued his self-imposed mission until opposition was completely overcome. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Private First ClassBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
16th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
August 28, 1944
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 148 (December 16, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Nelson Tonegates (ASN: 39912312), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Annet-sur-Mrne, Ile-de-France, France, 28 August 1944. Establishing himself in a house commanding a clear view of a street intersection, Private Tonegates, despite repeated attempts by a numerically superior force to dislodge him, courageously directed intense rifle fire and anti-tank grenades upon the foe until reinforcements arrived and cleared the town of enemy resistance. Private Tonegates’ gallant initiative and unflinching devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to capture and retention of a strategic military objective. 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.