Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

Headquarters Company, 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion, 82d Airborne Division "All-American” U.S. Army

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Milo C. Huempfner (16091778), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 23 and 24 December 1944, in Belgium. Private First Class Huempfner, on 23 December 1944 elected to remain in Leignon, Belgium after its capture by German armored elements despite the fact that he had not been ordered to do so. His harassing actions within the city during the entire time it was occupied by the German forces, at great risk to his life, resulted in the loss to the Germans of two half-tracks, a machine gun position and a German officer and two enlisted men. His prompt action in warning allied forces of the presence of this German force prevented the loss of many allied vehicles and the loss of lives of American soldiers. Private First Class Huempfner's intrepid actions, 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.


Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 205 (1945).