All 8th Armored Division Units

G.O. No. 55 (1945), Headquarters, XVI Corps - Award of Distinguished Service Cross

Armstrong, Gene L. Sr.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
58th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 29, 1945

Citation:
    The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gene L. Sr. Armstrong (33713130), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, as a rifleman, 58th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, on 29 March 1945, in Germany. When a hand grenade in the canteen pouch on the belt of another soldier was accidentally activated while they were riding in a half track with 7 other men, Private First Class Armstrong grasped it in an effort to either throw it or absorb as much of the blast as possible. He had been in a position from which he could have leaped to safety had he chosen to do so but this courageous and fearless soldier ignored the opportunity and the grenade exploded in his left hand. Private First Class Armstrong sustained the loss of his entire left hand and also received severe body wounds. His actions in protecting his comrades, his initiative and cool headedness reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces. Hometown: Emporium, Pennsylvania.

G.O. No. 261 (1945), Headquarters, Third U. S. Army - Award of Distinguished Service Cross - Posthumous
Barton, Virgil E.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company A, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: April 12, 1945

Synopsis:
    The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Virgil E. Barton (35900924), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 12 April 1945. Hometown: Wabash County, Indiana.

G.O. No. 60, Headquarters, XVI Corps, 2 August, 1945 - Award of Distinguished Service Cross - Posthumous
Erickson, Herbert L.
First Lieutenant. (Infantry), U.S. Army
Company B, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
    The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Herbert Erickson (0-106914), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Platoon leader, Company B, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in action against the enemy on 5 March 1945, in Germany. When his tank was disabled, First Lieutenant Erickson climbed to the deck in full view of the enemy to give his crew cover as they extricated themselves. Although wounded by a six-man enemy bazooka team, he killed all six with his pistol then dismounted and fearlessly moved across enemy terrain killing many enemy soldiers in foxholes and wiping out points of resistance, clearing the way for advance by his troops. In the performance of this courageous act, First Lieutenant Erickson was killed but the men of his command, inspired by this outstanding exhibition of bravery and daring, continued the attack and successfully achieved their objective. The intrepidity, fortitude, initiative and loyalty demonstrated by this First Lieutenant Erickson in the performance of his duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Armored Division and the United States Army. Hometown: Volga, Douth Dakota.

G.O. No. 55 (1945), Headquarters, XVI Corps - Award of Distinguished Service Cross
Kwacz, Henry Joseph
Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army
Company B, 58th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: February 5, 1945

Synopsis:
    The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Henry Joseph Kwacz (35053515), Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 58th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, on 5 February 1945. Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio.

G.O. No. 60, Headquarters, XVI Corps, 2 August, 1945 - Award of Distinguished Service Cross - Posthumous
Tucker, Kemble
Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army
Company A, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
    The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Kemble Tucker (0-1011068), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Company A, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in action against the enemy on 5 March 1945, in Germany. Captain Tucker displayed outstanding tactical skill and fearless leadership in the attack on an enemy town. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Tucker, while under constant heavy enemy fire, courageously led the assault on strongly fortified enemy positions. He was forced to change tanks twice when they were disabled by enemy fire as he was leading the attack. Upon dismounting from the second knocked out tank Captain Tucker was killed by enemy small arms fire. The men of his command, inspired by this outstanding exhibition of bravery and daring, continued the attack and successfully achieved their objective. The intrepidity, fortitude, initiative and loyalty demonstrated by this courageous officer in the performance of his duty reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces. Hometown: Delaware County, Pennsylvania.