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Hampl, Gus

Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Staff Sergeant
Unit:
Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division "Tough 'Ombres", U.S. Army (Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division "Tough 'Ombres", U.S. Army)
Staff Sergeant Gus Hampl, 37156279, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division,
United States Army.
For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. On 12 June 1944, in the vicinity of Picauville, France, the attack of Company L, 358
Infantry, encountered the direct fire of an enemy 75 mm gun which was strongly emplaced and protected by small arms fire and mortar fire. Sergeant Hampl and one other man, members of a demolition team attached to the rifle company, volunteered to attempt the destruction of the gun. A friendly mortar barrage drove the enemy gun crew to shelter in a nearby building while Sergeant Hampl and his companion worked their way forward. They reached the gun and, although under enemy observation and fire, placed an explosive charge in the breach and demolished it. They then threw incendiary grenades into the building in which the enemy had taken cover, setting it afire and forcing them to surrender. The heroic actions of Sergeant Hampl, and his courageous devotion to duty exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces of United States.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 90 (1944).
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

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