Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Captain (Infantry) Sheldon M. Dannelly (ASN: 0-373430), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces along the Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 4 and 5 March 1945. Captain Dannelly’s company was preparing to attack heavily-fortified positions blocking the trail and planes were bombing and strafing to soften up enemy strong points. Two bombs fell short, one of them burying five soldiers in the company’s area. Taking advantage of the confusion, the enemy immediately brought a heavy machinegun to bear and swept the area with heavy fire. Disregarding the danger, Captain Dannelly left the safety of his command post, seized a shovel and ran 50 yards through a hail of bullets to the buried men. At once the enemy concentrated their fire on him. Determined to save his men, the gallant officer began to dig desperately to reach them until he was instantly killed. One of his men, inspired by his commander’s example, took over and rescued three of the buried men before he, also, was killed. Captain Dannelly’s outstanding leadership, 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.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    127th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    32d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 25, 1945

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 62 (1945)

    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 Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Sheldon M. Dannelly (ASN: 0-373430), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces along the Villa Verde Trail at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 25 April 1945. As an infantry company was preparing to attack, a bomb suddenly smashed into the perimeter, burying 5 men with its explosion. The enemy immediately concentrated machinegun and rifle fire on the area where the bomb had landed. Captain Dannelly, the Company Commander, seized an entrenching shovel and with complete disregard for his own safety, rushed forward across the 50 yards of open ground with bullets striking all about him. Although the enemy fire grew in intensity, he rose to his feet and, fully exposed, began digging into the rock and sand beneath which men were buried. As he undertook his self-imposed task, he was hit and killed by enemy fire. Captain Dannelly, through gallant sacrifice of his own life, provided a lasting inspiration for the men with whom he served. Captain Dannelly’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.