Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division "The Rock of the Marne", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

May 13th, 1944

For action performed on 13 October 1943, at crossing the Volturno River in the Province of Caserta, Campania region, Italy.

"Major Elterich plunged into an enemy covered river on 13 October 1943 during fighting in the Mediterranean campaign in an effort to find a suitable exit for the heavy weapons and headquarters companies of his battalion, which, burdened with heavy equipment and unable to leave the stream at the point used by the rifle troops because of the steep, vine-covered banks, were being subjected to enemy machinegun fire as they jammed together in the water. Despite close range machinegun fire which wounded 20 of his men and struck the water all around him, Major Elterich led the men to a more accessible path up the bank. By his voluntary action, despite heavy fire, the movement of troops across the river was expedited and casualties materially reduced."


Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Division, General Orders No. 91 (13 May 1944).
This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)