8th Armored Division - Silver Star Awards

36th Tank Battalion - Silver Star Awards

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G.O. No. 12, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 22 March, 1945, Page 2. - Award of Silver Star
Erdmann, Arthur C.
Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army
Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Arthur C. Erdmann (0-1010606), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Captain Erdmann led his company in the spearhead of a task force that struck a heavily defended enemy town. Maneuvering his forces against overwhelming odds, he smashed enemy defenses and penetrated the town. During the action three tanks in which he was riding were knocked out. Each time he dismounted under fire and mounted the nearest tank to carry on direction of the company. He was seriously wounded when the fourth tank was struck by anti-tank fire. Captain Erdmann's tactical skill and the coolness with which he employed it is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army. Hometown: Sullivan, Illinois.

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G.O. No. 12, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 22 March, 1945, Page 2. - Award of Silver Star
Kelly, David B.
Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army
Company B, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to David B. Kelly (0-1013091), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Leading a tank attack on a heavily fortified enemy position, Captain Kelly personally directed the assault from his tank. When his vehicle was knocked out by enemy fire, he continued to lead on foot. During the engagement, Captain Kelly was wounded, but refused evacuation until the objective was taken and his company was reorganized. In leading the assault, he displayed extraordinary bravery and expert tactical knowledge. His inspiring example and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States. Hometown: South Amboy, New Jersey.

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G.O. No. 12, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 22 March, 1945, Page 1. - Award of Silver Star - Posthumous
Zuck, Victor M. Second Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army Company B, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Victor M. Zuck (0-1061915), Second Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Attacking along a road completely covered by anti-tank weapons, Lieutenant Zuck advanced his tank without regard to personal safety. His gallant assault added greatly to the impetus of the action and enabled his company to penetrate a heavily fortified enemy position. Lieutenant Zuck's tank had overrun the enemy position when it was finally knocked out by anti-tank guns. Lieutenant Zuck was killed. His gallantry and courage in the face of enemy fire were an inspiration to all and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States. Hometown: Erie County, New York.

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G.O. No. 15, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 27 March, 1945, Page 1. - Award of Silver Star - Posthumous
Rich, Frank
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Frank Rich (0-1017026), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Lieutenant Rich displayed outstanding leadership during an assault on a heavily fortified enemy position. When his company commander was wounded, he gathered together the remnants of his company and carried the attack forward. He led his men on the ground and from his tank, exposing himself to enemy fire. Without consideration for his own safety, he went to the aid of the wounded. His quick reorganization of the company under fire and his skill and aggressive leadership are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States. Hometown: Hennepin County, Minnesota.

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G.O. No. 15, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 27 March, 1945, Page 1. - Award of Silver Star - Posthumous
Robinson, Kenneth R.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Kenneth R. Robinson (0-1017113), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Lieutenant Robinson displayed outstanding leadership during an assault on a heavily fortified enemy position. He quickly reorganized the company when his company commander was wounded. Without consideration for his own safety, he led his men until their mission was accomplished. His aggressive leadership and courage were an inspiration to all and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States. Hometown: Girard, Pennsylvania.

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G.O. No. 18, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 2 April, 1945, Page 1. - Award of Silver Star - Posthumous
Goesman, Brunk A.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company B, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Brunk A. Goesman (36072263), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Sergeant Goesman's tank was knocked out by anti-tank fire. He exposed himself to the dismounting crew. He then dismounted and fought as a foot soldier, taking six prisoners, including a bazooka team. While moving forward on foot to designate targets and support tanks, he was killed by a burst of artillery fire. Sergeant Goesman acted without consideration for his own safety. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States. Hometown: Macoupin County, Illinois.

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G.O. No. 18, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 2 April, 1945, Page 2. - Award of Silver Star
Ryan, Thomas H.
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Thomas H. Ryan (0-555661), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Lieutenant Ryan, while leading his company in action against the enemy, was severely wounded. Refusing evacuation or any aid, he continued the assault. Despite pain and loss of blood, he personally led his organization until his tank was disabled and set on fire. Only after covering the escape of his crew did he abandon the flaming vehicle and permit himself to be evacuated. His gallantry under fire and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service. Hometown: Trenton, South Carolina.

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G.O. No. 24, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 3 May, 1945, Page 2. - Award of Silver Star
Milor, James P.
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army
Company C, 36th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 7, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to James P. Milor (0-1017057), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 36th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 7 March 1945. Throughout the entire battle Lieutenant Milor's outstanding leadership and heroic devotion to duty was an inspiration to all. When two of his tanks were knocked out by mines and a number of infantrymen injured by the explosions, he went in search of aid. He gave the medical personnel covering fire. He personally aided in the evacuation of the wounded. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Midland, Texas.

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G.O. No. 24, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 3 May, 1945, Page 1. - Award of Silver Star - Posthumous
Willoughby, Sampson C.
Technician Fourth Grade, U.S. Army
Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Sampson C. Willoughby (35097978), Technician Fourth Grade, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Sergeant Willoughby dismounted from his tank under a hail of mortar and machine gun fire to hook a tow cable to his tank which had stalled during intense enemy action. After the vehicle had been started, he again dismounted to uncouple the tow cable. While so doing, he was fatally wounded. His action were an example to all and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Bartholomew County, Kentucky.

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G.O. No. 30, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 9 Apr, 1945, Page 3. - Award of Silver Star
Bowlin, Lawrence B.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company C, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: April 9, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Lawrence B. Bowlin (38508626), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 9 April 1945. When his tank was hit by enemy artillery, Private Bowlin cleared himself of the wreckage. He then carried the wounded ammunition loader to the safety of a nearby ditch. Leaving this place of safety under continuing artillery and mortar fire, he returned to the tank. While attempting to reach another man still inside the vehicle he was critically wounded. His actions, without regard for his own safety, reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Arkansas.

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G.O. No. 57, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 29 June, 1945, Page 1. - Award of Silver Star
Carr, Vernon G.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Vernon G. Carr (37606792), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. During the advance of his company Sergeant Carr, a tank commander, sustained a head wound. He refused evacuation, insisting that other wounded members of his crew be removed first. Without regard for his own wound, or for heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Carr directed evacuation of other soldiers and personally rendered first aid to many of them. When this task was completed he ordered the remainder of the crew to continue forward with the attack. When the vehicle was disabled by a mine, he rendered first aid to the wounded and directed their evacuation. Sergeant Carr continued his actions until he lost consciousness as a result of his own injuries. His courage and devotion beyond the call of duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Mountain View, Missouri.

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G.O. No. 76, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 27 July, 1945, Page 1. - Award of Silver Star
Fox, Frank R.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company A, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Frank R. Fox (33594841), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. During an engagement against superior enemy forces, Sergeant Fox's tank was disabled. Despite the fact that an enemy weapon continued to fire at the vehicle, he remained at his post and fired at known enemy positions. Exhausting his ammunition, he removed a machine gun from the vehicle, secured ammunition from another disabled tank, and set up a defensive position despite heavy mortar and small arms fire. His actions, without regard for his own safety, and his devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Pennsylvania.

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G.O. No. 76, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 27 July, 1945, Page 2. - Award of Silver Star
Hollen, Kermit C.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Company A, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Kermit C. Hollen (35750919), Corporal, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. When his tank was immobilized by enemy fire, Corporal Hollen remained with the vehicle, still under fire, to man the tank's gun. When he had exhausted all ammunition he removed a machine gun from the vehicle, secured ammunition from another disabled tank, and set up a defensive position which he held against intense enemy fire. His courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Philippi, West Virginia.

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G.O. No. 95, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 7 September, 1945, Page X. - Award of Silver Star
Gurney, Edward J., Jr.
Major (Cavalry), U.S. Army
Headquarters, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Edward J. Gurney, Jr. (0-1010115), Major (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. When advance of a task force was halted, Major Gurney, an Executive Officer, personally gathered infantrymen and led them forward under intense fire. He organized them with the tank company. When his tank was disabled, Major Gurney dismounted to guide the attack on foot. While thus leading the attack he was seriously wounded by small arms fire. His actions reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Ohio.

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G.O. No. 95, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 7 September, 1945, Page 1. - Award of Silver Star
Van Houten, John H.
Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry), U.S. Army
Headquarters, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to John H. Van Houten (0-418812), Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Colonel Van Houten personally led the assault on the town of Rheinberg, Germany. He displayed coolness and expert tactical skill. Through his aggressiveness he was able to maintain control and reorganize his task force for a continued attack. He placed himself at all times in hazardous and dangerous position to accomplish his mission. Largely through his efforts the defenses were smashed and the objective taken. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of an officer of the United States Army. Hometown: Michigan.

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