Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant (Second-lieutenant)

Unit:

Company K, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division "Bayonet", U.S. Army

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James S. Garberg, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 23 May 1943, at Attu Island, Territory of Alaska. In an attack on 23 May 1943, Lieutenant Garberg commanded the leading platoon of his company. A dense fog closed in which halted the attack due to the inability to observe supporting weapons fire. His platoon was ordered to withdraw, but Lieutenant Garberg requested and obtained permission to withdraw his platoon, but remain himself to direct mortar fire on enemy machine gun emplacements which he could see, but the mortar observers could not. He remained in this fire swept position, in advance of his own troops, and directed mortar fire until he was ordered to return to his platoon. On the previous night, Lieutenant Garberg successfully led his platoon in a bayonet and grenade attack on an enemy position in the high, snow covered precipitous mountains overlooking East Arm, Holtz Bay. Three enemy machine guns were knocked out and heavy casualties were inflicted upon the enemy in this attack. When other units in the attack failed to gain their objectives, because of intense enemy resistance, Lieutenant Garberg was ordered to withdraw. He succeeded in extricating his troops from this hazardous, fire-swept salient, displaying courage and leadership of the highest order. When his platoon had reached reasonable safety and cover, he personally returned under fire to each of the three men who had been hit, to see if he could help them. Finding them dead he rejoined his platoon. Lieutenant Garberg's gallant, determined heroism, and aggressiveness were inspiring to all members of this company and his 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 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, U.S. Army Troops, APO 726 (Attu Landing Force), General Orders No. 31 (1943).