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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Bertrand D. Vincent (ASN: 37539552), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 7 November 1944 in France. The 3d Platoon of Company L was advancing along a wooded draw, leading the attack against enemy defenses on an important hill, when hostile machine gun, rifle and mortar fire directed from all sides cut it off from the remainder of the company. One machine gun, well-emplaced on the lower ridge overlooking the draw, was sweeping the entire platoon with deadly bursts of fire, threatening to inflict heavy casualties on the group. Private First Class Vincent, an acting squad leader, valiantly led his men forward in an attempt to destroy the gun position. Moving calmly in the face of point blank fire, he skillfully deployed his men and led them to within fifty yards of the hostile emplacement. He placed the squad members in advantageous firing positions and fearlessly exposed himself to direct their fire. He immediately became the target for the enemy gunners and was killed by the machine gun fire. Inspired by his intrepidity and selflessness, the squad successfully destroyed the hostile position, enabling the company to continue its advance.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    142d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 19, 1944
    Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 14 (January 26, 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 Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Bertrand D. Vincent (ASN: 37539552), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 19 September 1944 in France. Company L was digging in positions for the night in preparation for an attack on the following morning. Private Vincent, a rifleman, was ordered to join an outpost group in front of the company. Constantly on the alert for enemy activity, he suddenly spotted two hostile soldiers preparing a machine gun emplacement in a well-concealed position a short distance away. Aware of the seriousness of this threat to the safety of his comrades, Private Vincent began working his way toward the enemy position. He was spotted by the soldiers and became the target for enemy-hurled hand grenades. Contemptuous of personal safety, he pressed dauntlessly forward, advancing to a spot within a few yards of the hostile position. He calmly pulled the pin of one of his own grenades and threw it into the emplacement, killing both of the enemy soldiers and completely destroying the machine gun. By his quick thinking and valor, Private Vincent frustrated a hostile attempt to inflict casualties on his unit. He was killed in action during a subsequent engagement.