Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Company F, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division "Lightning", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

Staff Sergeant Patsy Retort (then Private First Class), 13085427, 311th Infantry, Army of the United States. For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 9 March 1945, near Rheinbreitbach in Germany.

When his company's advance was halted by concentrated fire from hostile machine guns, Staff Sergeant Retort unhesitatingly advanced toward the hostile positions, and, firing his own machine gun from the hip, killed or wounded approximately thirty Germans. He brought such effective fire upon the enemy that their fire was neutralized and the leading elements of his company were able to continue forward with a minimum of resistance to successfully take the objective. Staff Sergeant Retort's quick decision and aggressive action against a strongly fortified position saved the lives of many of the men of his company, thus reflecting the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Entered military service from Pennsylvania.

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 75 (1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Company F, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division "Lightning", U.S. Army