Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division "Red Diamond", U.S. Army (2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division “Red Diamond”, U.S. Army)

By direction of the President, a Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to: Lt. Col. Kelley B. Lemmon, Jr. for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy on 23 August 1944 in the vicinity of Fontainebleau, France. This officer, attacking across the Seine River, discovered upon reaching the river that the bridge had been destroyed. Rather than order one of his men to cross the river, which was 350 yards wide at this point and under intense enemy small arms, Col. Lemmon swam the river. Upon reaching the shore he secured 5 civilian boats, tied them together and paddled them back to our shore. These boats were immediately utilized to establish the bridgehead. The outstanding heroism, extreme devotion to duty, and high courage displayed by Col. Lemmon reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest tradition of the Service. By command of Lieutenant General Patton.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 71 (1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division "Red Diamond", U.S. Army (2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division “Red Diamond”, U.S. Army)

Citation unavailable.