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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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert Frederick Blumhagen, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 3 November 1944, near Nampateluzo, France. When 500 German Infantrymen tried to overrun his company’s position, Lieutenant Blumhagen dashed 25 yards through a hail of machine gun bullets to an artillery tower. Despite intense artillery and gunfire, which threatened to collapse the rickety structure, he climbed to the topmost turret and used his Browning Automatic Rifle to shoot down in the faces of the German. He clogged the ground folds with their corpses and forced others to flee from their positions, only to be shot by infantry fire. As a result of his action, 250 Germans were left dead and wounded. First Lieutenant Blumhagen’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 and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 8, 1944
    History of the 3d Infantry Division in World War II (Donald G. Taggart – Editor)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert Frederick Blumhagen, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on September 8, 1944 in France. Lieutenant Blumhagen knocked out an enemy machine gun nest with a hand renade. Then he daringly re-crossed an open field under heavy fire and forced the surrender of three Germans manning a second machine gun. After that, he led a patrol which drove an anti-tank gun crew from its position. He was engaged in a fire fight with the crew of a third machine gun when he was struck and wounded by German gunfire. Lieutenant Blumhagen’s 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, his unit, and the United States Army.