Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

Company D, 2nd Ranger Battalion, Provisional Ranger Group, V Corps, First Army, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

June 20th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Neptune

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George F. Kerchner (0-1309569), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 2d Ranger Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. When the Company Commander and other company officers became casualties from the heavy enemy rifle fire, machine gun and artillery fire upon landing on the coast of France, Second Lieutenant Kerchner assumed command of the company in the successful assault upon and captured the 155-mm. enemy gun positions. While engaged in this operation, Second Lieutenant Kerchner and fifteen members of his organization were surrounded and cut off from the main body for two and one-half days. He tenaciously and courageously held his position until relieved and was a constant inspiration to his troops. The outstanding heroism displayed by Second Lieutenant Kerchner during the initial assault and subsequent operations exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

HQ First U.S. Army, GO 28, June 20th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)