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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 Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ross Hamilton Calvert, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Anzio, Italy, on 17 March 1944. While occupying a house to effect relief of another Infantry company the early morning of 17 March 1944, Lieutenant Calvert, two other officers, and their party came under heavy tank fire. As this fire lifted, the house was three times attacked by an enemy platoon reinforced by machine gun and mortars. Twice the attackers were repulsed; the third time the enemy gained positions behind a corner of the houses and behind an out building and began throwing many grenades. Lieutenant Calvert jumped from a window to the ground, crawled around the house to within 10 yards of the enemy, and with grenades and carbine fire forced the Germans to withdraw, killing three and wounding more. 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.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 28, 1944
    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 16 (January 23, 1945)

    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) Ross Hamilton Calvert, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Taulignan, France, on 28 August 1944. While leading a four-man patrol, Lieutenant Calvert saw and killed a German about 35 yards away, thus drawing fire from nine other Germans nearby. Ordering his men to take up the fire, he accounted for two more of the enemy. His men accounted for six killed and three captured. From this exposed block, Lieutenant Calvert found a force of 40 Germans and led a company in the attack as their first scout. As he was crossing a field covered by all types of enemy fire, he saw a wounded soldier, ran to him, administered first aid, and then continued on. Moving forward, Lieutenant Calvert manned an observation post and poured artillery fire on the Germans, killing 10 of them and wounding others. The company objective taken, Lieutenant Calvert continued on his patrol in time to confront and attack a group of 30 Germans with his carbine and grenades. Proceeding on into a nearby town by jeep, he parked the vehicle near a hotel. Here he stopped a German commander and his orderly who were coming down the street, captured them, and he and his men fired into the building command post. First Lieutenant Calvert’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.