Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Company G, 123rd Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Division "Illinois Division", U.S. Army (Company G, 123rd Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Division "Illinois Division", U.S. Army)

Private Hegarty, a first scout, Company G, 123rd Infantry Regiment, was moving with his platoon through enemy territory to reinforce another unit when he alertly discovered two enemy riflemen in a foxhole just off the trail. He killed them both. Although the presence of these two men indicated that a larger force was probably near, he fearlessly moved forward and soon drew heavy fire from enemy riflemen and machine gunners. However, he charged toward one of the machine guns in a gallant effort to knock it out. Firing as he advanced, Private Hegarty continued on in face of the heavy hostile concentration until another machine gun suddenly opened up, wounding him in the chest and stomach. Mortally hit and gasping for breath, he continued to fire, killing two more of the enemy and neutralizing their position. Private Hegarty's initiative and determination in the face of great odds aided materially in the succesful completion of the platoon's mission. His dauntless fighting spirit was an inspiration to all those with whom he served.

Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 107 (1945).
Awarded posthumously.