TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Singlestad, Sylvester Donald

Date of birth:
May 9th, 1917 (Emmons/Minnesota, United States)
Date of death:
November 18th, 2010 (Minnesota, United States)
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Technical Sergeant
Unit:
Company F, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army (Company F, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army)
Sylvester D. Singlestad, 20708561, Technical Sergeant, Infantry, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in action, on 4 February 1944, near Caira, Italy. Technical Sergeant Singlestad’s platoon was attacked by a large force of Germans. In the fierce fight which followed, he and one of his squads were surrounded and cut off from the rest of the company. Technical Sergeant Singlestad fought his way free by moving toward and through the enemy, throwing hand grenades as he advanced. He killed at least six of the enemy and wounded several others. When he had expended all his ammunition, he used his rifle as a club against the enemy who surrounded him. Coming face to face with two Germans, he felled them both with his rifle butt, dived over a rock wall, seized another rifle and continued his advance to the company command post. Technical Sergeant Sylvester D. Singlestad gave his commanding officer valuable information regarding the enemy’s strength, disposition and armament. He then reorganized his platoon and assisted in directing the fire to repulse the enemy attack. The courage, fighting determination, and resourcefulness displayed by Technical Sergeant Singlestad set an inspiring example for his men and reflect the highest traditions of the American Infantryman. Entered military service from Waseca, Minnesota.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 103 (1944).
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Technical Sergeant
Unit:
Company F, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army

Citation unavailable.

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Sources

Photo