Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

By direction of the President and under the provisions of Sec. I, Cir. 32, Hq. ETO US Army, 20 Mar. 1944, as amended by Sec. I, Cir. 56, Hq. ETO US Army, 27 May 1944, a Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to: Private First Class Halbert E. Olson, 37585303, Co. A, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations. On 26 February 1945, in Germany, Private Olson, intending to throw a grenade in a cellar, pulled the pin, but as he commenced hurling the missile, it became entangled in his clothing, the striker hitting the primer. Instantly realizing the terrible danger to everyone near him, he plunged several paces forward and curled his body over the grenade so that he absorbed all its fragmentation and no one else was injured. He gave his life for his fellow soldiers. The extraordinary heroism and courageous action of Private Olson reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Entered military service from Minnesota.

Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 117 (1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army