Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Company A, 760th Tank Battalion, 1st Armored Division "Old Ironsides", U.S. Army

David C. Sechrist, 6994894, Staff Sergeant, 760th Tank Battalion. For gallantry in action on 6 January 1944 in the vicinity of Mt. Porchia, Italy. When an enemy shell hit an ammunition pile near Staff Sergeant Sechrist’s tank, he voluntarily left his position of relative safety and ran with a fire extinguisher to the blazing pile of ammunition. Staff Sergeant Sechrist scattered the fire by kicking the burning ammunition cases around, and by using the fire extinguisher succeeded in putting out the fire. The quick and courageous actions of Staff Sergeant Sechrist not only saved valuable ammunition and government property, but also lessened the danger of casualties to many men in the immediate vicinity. His outstanding courage exemplifies the highest traditions of the United States Army. Entered military service from: Mt. Union, Pennsylvania.