8th Armored Division - Silver Star Awards

88th Armored Recon Battalion - Silver Star

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G.O. No. 12, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 22 March, 1945, Page 4 - Award of Silver Star
Healy, William R.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Troop B, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 5, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to William R. Healy (14164154), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop B, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Sergeant (then Corporal) Healy was a member of a platoon evacuating casualties from a forward area. The platoon leader's armored car was knocked out and the platoon leader was seriously wounded. Sergeant Healy left the safety of his own vehicle, hooked a tow cable on the disabled vehicle, and directed its removal to a place of safety. When it was determined that two other men were missing, Sergeant Healy returned to the area. He located the two men, both casualties, and evacuated them. His actions were entirely voluntary and reflect greatest credit on himself and the Military Forces of the United States. Hometown: Marietta, Georgia.

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G.O. No. 18, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 2 April, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star
Godwin, Peter F.
First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army
Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 2, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Peter F. Godwin (0-1016791), First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 2 March 1945. The advance of Lieutenant Godwin's platoon was held up by a sudden concentration of small arms fire. Two men were sent ahead to investigate a bridge and determine the source of the enemy fire. Covering this operation, Lieutenant Godwin saw one of the men fall. Moving his armored car forward, he dismounted under fire and moved the wounded man to safety. His heroic action, with disregard for his own safety, reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Pennsylvania.
Note: Lieutenant Godwin was subsequently Killed in Action on March 28, 1945, one week before orders for his Silver Star were announced

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G.O. No. 20, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 22 April, 1945, Page 2 - Award of Silver Star - Posthumous
McLinden, Charles J.
Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army
Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 28, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Charles J. McLinden (33593317), Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. Corporal McLinden volunteered to go for medical aid although the town he was required to enter was being subjected to heavy enemy artillery fire. On returning with medical aid an enemy shell hit the quarter-ton truck in which he was traveling, instantly killing Corporal McLinden. He acted without regard for his own personal safety and his actions reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Pennsylvania.

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G.O. No. 32, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 11 May, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star - Posthumous
Pagel, Alvin W.
First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army
Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 28, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Alvin W. Pagel (0-1016871), First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. When one of his men was pinned down by small arms fire, Lieutenant Pagel moved his armored car to a point where he could cover the withdrawal of the man. By this action, disregarding his own safety, he placed his vehicle in line of direct fire from small arms and 20-mm. mortars. The enlisted man was able to withdraw to safety but Lieutenant Pagel was hit by rifle fire. He lived long enough to order his men to leave the vehicle and to cover them while they made their way to safety. His outstanding bravery and extreme devotion are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Kings County, New York.

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G.O. No. 48, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 11 June, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star
Chapas, Louis G.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 28, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Louis G. Chapas (32871587), Corporal, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. While leading a mounted patrol, Corporal Chapas, mounted in a one-quarter ton vehicle, encountered heavy machine gun and small arms fire. He attempted to pin the enemy down by the use of grenades, advancing to within twenty yards of their position. He then returned to his vehicle and manned the machine gun. While firing on the enemy he was wounded. He secured his grenade launcher and was again wounded while firing on the enemy positions. Upon exhausting his ammunition he opened fire with a rocket launcher and while using this weapon was wounded a third time. Despite his wounds he continued to fire until support arrived. His action resulted in preventing many casualties and resulted in the capture of fifty enemy infantry. His devotion to duty and personal courage reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Brooklyn, New York.

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G.O. No. 48, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 11 June, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star
Rissmiller, Earl B.
First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army
Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 28, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Earl B. Rissmiller (0-1016880), First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. Lieutenant Rissmiller's platoon was given the mission of contacting the enemy for a task force. When he encountered fire from an occupied town, he sent back word to the main force, then continued on into town. He had succeeded in clearing nearly half the town before tanks and infantry arrived. As heavy artillery and anti-tank fire started coming in on their position, Lieutenant Rissmiller went out into the clearing, reorganized the group, and withdrew them to cover. His quick action and clear, decisive thinking greatly reduced casualties and reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Shillington, Pennsylvania.

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G.O. No. 49, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 20 June, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star - Posthumous
Bussert, Charles
First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army
Troop D, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: February 25, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Charles Bussert (0-1016799), First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop D, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 25 February 1945. Lieutenant Bussert volunteered to lead a patrol into heavily defended enemy territory to secure information on the strength and disposition of troops and to obtain prisoners for questioning. He led his patrol across an obstacle-strewn river, through armed outpost guards, and to an occupied town. After obtaining the required information he entered a house on the outskirts of the town, captured two prisoners and succeeded in bringing his entire patrol and prisoners safely back to his own lines. His display of skill and courage in accomplishing this dangerous assignment is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Amanda, Ohio.

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G.O. No. 61, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 4 July, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star
Bauer, Harold F.
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: April 20, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Harold F. Bauer (39309734), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 20 April 1945. While on a reconnaissance patrol, Sergeant Bauer and members of the patrol sighted large numbers of enemy troops and vehicles near a heavily-defended concrete building. It was apparent that the position could b e taken only be a strong force, with the possibility of heavy casualties. Sergeant Bauer advanced alone, convinced guards their position was surrounded, and accomplished surrender of the enemy position. As a result, an enemy Lieutenant General, his staff of five officers and ninety-seven soldiers and a large number of vehicles, weapons and equipment were captured. The position was headquarters for an enemy army corps. Sergeant Bauer's initiative, courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Cambridge, Nebraska.

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G.O. No. 61, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 4 July, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star
Borkowicz, Leo M.
Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army
Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 1, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Leo M. Borkowicz (33565046), Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 1 March 1945. When his platoon started withdrawal from a heavily-defended road block, two members were left pinned down by the intense fire. Corporal Borkowicz voluntarily returned to the position in a one-quarter ton vehicle completely exposed to heavy fire. He fought his way to the two helpless men and succeeded in bringing them to safety. His actions reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United Sates. Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland.

To General Orders

G.O. No. 61, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 4 July, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star
Kastl, Orien A.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 1, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Orien A. Kastl (37515326), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 1 March 1945. When two of his comrades were pinned down near a road block by intense automatic weapons, rifle and anti-tank fire, Sergeant Kastl voluntarily moved forward with a one- quarter ton vehicle. He fought his way to the side of his comrades and succeeded in bringing them to safety. The entire action was carried out against intense fire in the face of an advancing enemy. Sergeant Kastl's actions reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Bronson, Kansas.

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G.O. No. 61, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 4 July, 1945, Page 2 - Award of Silver Star
Paar, Edward J.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 1, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Edward J. Paar (32870258), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 1 March 1945. When two members of his platoon were pinned down by enemy fire near a road block, Private Paar volunteered to advance in a one-quarter ton vehicle to rescue his comrades. He advanced under intense fire and accomplished evacuation of the two men. His courage and devotion beyond the call of duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Flushing, New York.

To General Orders

G.O. No. 73, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 19 July, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star
Boehm, Charles M.
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: January 26, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Charles M. Boehm (31088313), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop A, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 26 January 1945. Sergeant Boehm was leading a security patrol near an enemy-occupied town. In order to achieve its objective, it was necessary for the patrol to cross a mine field. Sergeant Boehm, upon learning of the presence of the mine field from scouts, ordered his patrol to follow at a safe distance while he explored for a safe route across the field. Disregarding enemy machine gun fire, he continued his advance, enabling the entire platoon to reach their objective without a casualty. His courage and devotion beyond the call of duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Malden, Massachusetts.

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G.O. No. 76, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 27 July, 1945, Page 3 - Award of Silver Star
Oelke, Harold R.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 30, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Harold R. Oelke (16121016), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 30 March 1945. When a friendly tank was set fire by a direct hit Private Oelke went to the aid of the crew. Despite exploding ammunition on the burning tank and continuing enemy fire, he succeeded in evacuating the wounded to safety. Private Oelke acted without regard for his own safety, and his courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Wheaton, Illinois.

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G.O. No. 79, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 2 August, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star
Martens, Walter A. J.
First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army
Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 30, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Walter A. J. Martens (0-1016501), First Lieutenant (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 30 March 1945. Lieutenant Martens personally led his reconnaissance platoon at the head of a task force. When his armored car, in the lead position, came under fire, he manned a machine gun and wiped out two enemy positions. Continuing the advance, his force came under artillery and mortar fire. He located two enemy anti-tank weapons, directed his fire on them, and notified following tanks of their position. His harassing fire forced the anti-tank gun crews into the open where they were destroyed by the tank which came up to aid the reconnaissance platoon. Although wounded himself, Lieutenant Martens refused medical aid until his task force was ordered to hold its position later in the day. His courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Sheldon, Iowa.

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G.O. No. 79, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 2 August, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star
Schacht, Vernon H.
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 7, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Vernon H. Schacht (37078442), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 7 March 1945. While leading his section on dismounted mopping-up action, Sergeant Schacht eliminated several enemy soldiers who were attempting to bring their light machine guns into action. While engaged with one enemy soldier, Sergeant Schacht saw a machine gun about twenty-five yards away starting to swing fire on the patrol to his left. He charged the machine gun and captured its crew. His action and personal courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army. Hometown: Larchwood, Iowa.

To General Orders

G.O. No. 84, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 8 August, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star
Blaker, Harry A.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 28, 1

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Harry A. Blaker (33595015), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. Sergeant Blaker was riding in the lead vehicle of a task force. When the one-quarter ton truck in which he was riding came under fire, he manned the machine gun and continued with the advance. When that weapon jammed, he started firing his rifle, later using that of his driver while he continued to advance through the enemy town under harassing fire of all types. Sergeant Blaker continued to lead the task force forward until he encountered heavy artillery fire on the other side of the town. His personal courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces. Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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G.O. No. 84, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 8 August, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star - Posthumous
Irwin, Ralph H. R.
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 29, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Ralph H. R. Irwin (37033377), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 29 March 1945. Sergeant Irwin, acting platoon leader of a reconnaissance platoon, had sent his men into position to protect engineers working on a destroyed bridge. He then placed his armored car in the lead. When his vehicle was hit by anti-tank fire, Sergeant Irwin was wounded. Disregarding his own wounds he returned to the vehicle and removed his wounded gunner. During this action Sergeant Irwin was fatally wounded. His outstanding bravery was an inspiration to all and reflects great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Columbus, Nebraska.

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G.O. No. 84, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 8 August, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star
Kenny, Leslie R.
Private, U.S. Army
Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Date of Action: March 8, 1945

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Leslie R. Kenny (32853758), Private, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in Germany on 8 March 1945. While advancing with a patrol given the mission of securing the bank of the Rhine River along a 1000 yard front, Private Kenny observed three enemy setting up a machine gun position to the left flank. Acting on his own initiative, Private Kenny outflanked the position and took it. His initiative and devotion to duty without regard for his own safety contributed materially to the success of the operation and his actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Johnstown, New York.

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G.O. No. 84, Hq. 8th Armd. Div., 8 August, 1945, Page 1 - Award of Silver Star
Seaman, Steve J. Technician Fifth Class, U.S. Army Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 8th Armored Division Date of Action: March 7, 1

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to Steve J. Seaman (42002702), Technician Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 7 March 1945. Corporal Seaman was moving with his platoon with the mission of securing the bank of the Rhine River. Midway in the advance to the river an enemy machine gun opened fire from the flank. Corporal Seaman moved quickly to the flank, took cover, and assaulted the gun position, capturing the two men manning it. His quick action saved the lives of men of his platoon and reflects great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Hometown: Fairview, New Jersey.

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