Richard Stern was a German of Jewish descent who came to the United States in 1939. He was 43 years of age, and still not an American citizen when he enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 13, 1942.
Sponsored by:
Richard
F.
Stern
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
SergeantDivision:
FIFTH U.S. ArmyAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 51 (1944)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Richard F. Stern, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the FIFTH U.S. Army, during an assault on 7 January 1944, on the slopes of Mount Porchio. In the face of heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Stern addressed the Germans in their own tongue and demanded that they surrender, convincing them they were hopelessly outnumbered. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Stern, 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.