The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Ervin W. Vanderpool (ASN: 38005215), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy on 23 September 1943. Sergeant Vanderpool was an Infantry rifleman in a squad engaged in a flanking attack against an enemy position in Italy. When an enemy vehicle approached his position, Sergeant Vanderpool, while under fire from enemy machine guns, with his rifle killed the driver and six occupants. He then crossed an open area under enemy machinegun fire to provide information which made possible the laying of accurate mortar fire on enemy forces which he had observed and to procure aid for his wounded squad leader. Upon his return to the squad he directed additional fire on the enemy which aided the company in taking its objective. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant]Batallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
179th Infantry RegimentDivision:
45th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
May 30 – 31, 1944
Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 180 (July 29, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Ervin W. Vanderpool (ASN: 38005215), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 – 31 May 1944, near Velletri, Italy. During an attack, Technical Sergeant Vanderpool led his rifle platoon against the battalion objective, a heavily fortified enemy position situated in easily defended terrain. After receiving heavy casualties in his platoon on his first assault on the enemy position, he reorganized and again attacked, engaging the enemy in close hand-to-hand combat, killing eight and taking fourteen prisoners. After taking the objective Technical Sergeant Vanderpool accompanied by three of his men, moved forward under severe enemy fire to establish and maintain a listing post for a three our period. Technical Sergeant Vaderpool’s gallantry and leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.