Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technician Fifth Grade

Unit:

Company F, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

August 6th, 1944

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technician Fifth Grade Harry Hartman (ASN: 6666816), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 7 June 1944, in France. Company F, 18th Infantry was being held up by heavy sniper and automatic weapons fire from hedgerows which bordered the road along which the company was advancing. Technician Fifth Grade Hartman moved into the seat of his 1/4 ton vehicle and drove it into an exposed but strategic position from which the gunner could deliver fire from the machine gun mounted on the vehicle. Observing that the fire was effective but not decisive, he then moved the vehicle out in front of the company so that he was parallel to the hedgerows. Then, as the gunner fired a continuous stream of fire into the bushes, he drove up the road between the hedgerows until the enemy resistance was destroyed, thereby permitting the advance of his company. Technician Fifth Grade Hartman's 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 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 42 (6 August 1944).