Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Battery C, 65th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Armored Division "Hell On Wheels", U.S. Army (Battery C, 65th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Armored Division "Hell on Wheels", U.S. Army)

Sergeant Adoplhaus W. Whidden, Jr., 34455220, 65th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against the enemy. On 5 October 1944, during an attack on the Siegfried Line across 3000 yards of open terrain, two men were wounded. Due to enemy action and the open terrain, first-aid men stated that it was impossible to get their light, unarmored ambulance to the location. Thereupon, Sergeant Whidden, a forward observation section chief, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, volunteered to evacuate the wounded. Driving a one-quarter ton unarmored truck, Sergeant Whidden crossed the open area in the face of enemy fire, improvised a stretcher and moved the wounded men to safety. Not only once but four times during the day, Sergeant Whidden courageously crossed the exposed area to evacuate a total of twelve wounded men, four of whom undoubtedly would have died had they not received prompt medical treatment. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Sergeant Whidden reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping the highest traditions of the military service. Entered military service from Florida.

Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 54 (1944).