Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

446th Quartermaster Troop Transport Company, Quartermaster Corps, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

September 17th, 1944

Sergeant Willis B. Esters (Army Serial Number 34004742), Quartermaster Corps, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by gallantry in action on 16 August 1944, in the area of Chartres, France. He was ordered to drive a number of military police to Chartres to take into custody 37 German prisoners who were being held in the city by the Free French. When he reached the outskirts he was told that, although the city proper was in American hands, there was enemy action further up the road and it would not be safe to proceed. Undeterred, he continued through enemy fire, finally locating the prisoners in the Cathedral. The city was undergoing severe bombardment by the enemy, and shells were exploding dangerously close. Sgt. Esters and his assistant remained outside under hostile fire and brought the vehicle into position while the military police entered the Cathedral. Having loaded the prisoners on the truck, he drove through the lines again, to the prisoner of war inclosure. Sgt. Esters' determination and courage in completing a difficult assignment reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 51 (17 September 1944).