Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company A, 81st Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division "Victory", U.S. Army (Company A, 81st Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division "Victory", U.S. Army)

Awarded on:

September 27th, 1944

Citation:
"For gallantry in action in France on 1 September 1944. Captain Hearl exposing himself to enemy mortar, artillery and small arms fire went forward in his one quarter ton vehicle to within five feet of two tanks which had been hit and were burning, in order to rescue the wounded from the tanks. His courageous and heroic action saved five men, one vehicle and insured the continued advance of the main body by his reporting of enemy positions as they fired at the tanks from which he was trying to rescue the crews. The gallantry and leadership displayed by Captain Hearl reflect the highest traditions of the military service."

Headquarters, 5th Armored Divions, General Orders No. 15 (27 September 1944).
For action performed on 1 September 1944 near Compiègne/Oise department, Picardy, France.