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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant] Roy F. Rumbaugh (ASN: 0-1995030), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 September 1944, near Archottes, France. Acting as platoon leader after the evacuation of his officer, Second Lieutenant Rumbaugh planned and executed a successful crossing of the Moselle River. The enemy had discovered the preparations for the crossing and covered the area with heavy artillery and small arms fire. Despite the heavy fire, Second Lieutenant Rumbaugh made a personal reconnaissance and then expertly directed his men through the neck-deep water to the far side. There, instead of climbing up the bank, he led his men up the river, still submerged in the water, to engage the enemy from the flank. His maneuver caught the defending force completely by surprise, and as a result the platoon captured twenty-eight soldiers. Second Lieutenant Rumbaugh’s courageous and skillful leadership was a fundamental contribution to the establishment of a bridgehead across the Moselle and reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 49 (1945)

    (UNCONFIRMED – Citation Needed): Roy F. Rumbaugh, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 45th Infantry Division during World War II.