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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 First Lieutenant (Medical Administrative Corps) Perry Heidelberger, Jr. (ASN: 0-1547962), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 94th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany on 10 February 1945. During a fierce engagement with the enemy in which heavy casualties were sustained, Lieutenant Heidelberger, completely ignoring raking artillery, mortar, tank and small arms fire, approached an enemy tank and with the commander, arranged for the evacuation of five wounded soldiers. While negotiations were in progress, he was pinned down by intense fire. After removing the wounded to a position of comparative safety, he returned to the scene and evacuated another wounded man. Lieutenant Heidelberger’s gallantry and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Medical Administrative Corps)

    Division:

    94th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 28, 1945
    Headquarters, 94th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 98 (April 19, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Medical Administrative Corps) Perry Heidelberger, Jr. (ASN: 0-1547962), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 94th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany on 28 February 1945. When members of an assault team were wounded by raking mortar fire from a heavily fortified pillbox, Lieutenant Heidelberger attached a red cross arm band to a white flag, and disregarding the intense fire, walked boldly to the stricken men, dressing their wounds and evacuating them. Noticing some of the enemy standing outside the fortress, he motioned to them and approached their position. Convincing them of the futility of continued resistance he persuaded the entire German Garrison of two officers and 59 enlisted men to lay down their arms. Lieutenant Heidelberger’s valiant courage and untiring devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.