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 Technical Sergeant] Claude A. Hupp (ASN: 0-887339), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the **** Sector, Normandy, France, on 13 July 1944. Lieutenant Hupp assumed command of his platoon upon the death of his platoon leader. When the advance in his sector had been stopped by enemy machine gun fire from enemy hedgerow positions, and after all attempts to advance had failed, Lieutenant Hupp determined the positions of the enemy emplacements, and firing from the hip with a light machine gun, killed the crew of one gun and silenced two other machine gun installations, whereupon the advance of his battalion continued until stopped by a situation similar to that above described, when Lieutenant Hupp practically repeated his earlier performance. The gallantry in action and zeal for the accomplishment of the mission on the part of Lieutenant Hupp resulted in the attainment of their objective by two companies of his battalion, and reflects credit upon his character as a soldier and is in accord with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    *** Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 26, 1944

    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 49 (November 1, 1944)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Claude A. Hupp (ASN: 0-887339), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the ***, France, on 26 September 1944. Lieutenant Hupp, leader of a heavy machine gun section of Company M, *** Infantry Regiment, was assigned the mission of protecting the left flank of the 3d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, which had established defensive positions along the eastern edge of the ****. In order to coordinate his fields of fire, Lieutenant Hupp traversed 1,500 yards of open terrain under enemy observation to reach the command post of a rifle company. He was seriously wounded by shell fragments as he reached his destination, but refused evacuation until he had accomplished his mission, returned to his section, and arranged for another officer to take charge of his unit. Lieutenant Hupp died as a result of his wounds several days later. His gallantry, tenacity of purpose and zealous devotion to duty are in keeping with the traditions of the military service.