Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 11th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while commanding the 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 23 September 1944. On that date, he quickly assembled the battalion which he commanded, which had landed by glider, and, working without the services of most of his staff, accomplished the task of relieving a battalion in minimum time through his personal efforts and supervision. Colonel Sanford's battalion had the mission of defending a frontage much greater than that normally assigned to a unit of its size, but due to his thorough knowledge of his troops and of the situation and to his complete disregard for his own safety in making personal reconnaissance and in visiting front line positions, in spite of heavy shell fire, to encourage his men and to insure best possible disposition of troops, his battalion presented an impenetrable defense to all enemy counterattacks for a period of eight days. At 0530 hours, 2 September 1944, Colonel Sanford's battalion attacked eastward from MOOK, HOLLAND. Colonel Sanford, although suffering with a high fever, went forward with the assault companies and personally directed every phase of the attack, adjusting artillery and mortar fire, directing communications, evacuation and supply as well as personally directing the fire of two supporting tanks into enemy strong points. When one of his companies was surprised by and enemy strong point and badly disorganized he, without thought for the danger involved, effected a reorganization of the company, replacing the company commander and other officers who had become casualties. By nightfall, he had stabilized his lines and was able to hold the ground gained during the day. The courage and perseverance of Colonel Sanford were directly responsible for the success of the battalion's operation and were of untold value to the holding of very important ground for the Allied Forces. His bravery, coolness and magnificent leadership are recognized and respected by every member of his command and reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army."

Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps, General Orders No. 8 (11 november 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1944

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

"For gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy at Normandy, France, on 9 June 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army."

Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 34 (1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 8th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Royal Decree no.31 of 8 October 1945.

Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

Major General

Awarded on:

October 23rd, 1963

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from September 1960 to August 1963."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 46

Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

Major General

Awarded on:

April 4th, 1967

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from September 1963 to January 1967."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 16