Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    508th Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    September 21, 1944

    Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 66 (December 20, 1944)

    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 Theodore H. Gienger (ASN: 39320388), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 21 September 1944, near ****, Germany. Private First Class Gienger was a rifleman, Company G, 3d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division. When a German patrol of undetermined strength attacked the position occupied by his platoon which was attached in support of Company A, Private First Class Gienger, who spoke German fluently, left his position and crawled forward until he was within a few yards of the enemy patrol. He shouted several orders in German, which confused the enemy and caused them to reveal their exact location. Private First Class Gienger opened fire with a Thompson Sub-Machine Gun, killing six Germans and disorganizing the attack. The enemy withdrew and Private First Class Gienger returned to his position. Private First Class Gienger was killed in a later action. 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.