Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

2nd Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division "Hell On Wheels", U.S. Army (2nd Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division "Hell on Wheels", U.S. Army)

Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay C. Herkness, Jr, 022181, Cavalry, 66th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against the enemy. On 26 July 1944, Colonel Herkness courageously led cm armored attack on the Canisy-Le Mesnil Herman road, France. When his tank became disabled, Colonel Herkness mounted the back of another and with complete disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of enemy artillery, mortar, machine gun and small-arms fire, continued to direct the advance. As he personally moved forward to direct the removal of two burning enemy vehicles from their path, Colonel Herkness was fired upon from point-blank range by two of the enemy. Though he was painfully wounded, Colonel Herkness drew his pistol, killed one of his adversaries and forced the other to run to cover. Refusing to be evacuated but accepting first aid, he continued to lead and direct his men on to their objective. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Colonel Herkness reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Entered military service from New York.

Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 49 (1944).