Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company I, 3rd Battalion, 395th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

February 6th, 1945

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving in an Infantry Company of the 395th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 18 December 1944, in Germany. When a strong German force threatened to sever a vital supply route to his company's defensive area, Sergeant Piersall, occupying a position in the path of the assault, held his ground. Wave after wave of hostile troops attacked him but he repulsed each attack by his intense fire. The enemy brought up a machine gun and a rocket gun in an effort to eliminate this threat to their advance. With his ammunition supply exhausted, Sergeant Piersall with complete disregard for his life, courageously crawled from his emplacement, secured a grenade launcher and grenades from the enemy dead in front of him and returned to his position. Taking careful aim he fired two grenades with devastating accuracy, knocking out both the machine gun and rocket gun. The heroic actions and exemplary bravery displayed by Sergeant Piersall prevented a heavy penetration into his company area. His personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 99th Infantry Division, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 21 (February 6, 1945).