Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" U.S. Army (135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" U.S. Army)

Ray J. Ericksen, 0-401913, Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in action, from 10 October 1943 to 5 June 1944, in Italy. During the first crossing of the Volturno River, Lieutenant Colonel Ericksen, the Captain, unwilling to sacrifice any men, preformed hazardous reconnaissance alone in preparation for actual crossing. Three times in the face of grave danger he made his way 1,600 yards forward of the front lines to locate enemy defensive positions. During the initial crossing when the enemy threatened to disorganize the assault company with a concentrated mortar and artillery barrage, Lieutenant Colonel Ericksen went forward, took charge of the company and successfully accomplished the mission. On 15 October while Lieutenant Colonel Fricksen and two soldiers were reconnoitering a route of advance for his battalion he endeavored to drive off the enemy gun crew singlehandedly. Working his way to the flank of the machine gun nest, Lieutenant Colonel Ericksen opened fire with his M-1 rifle, wounded two of the enemy and drove off the remainder. On 27 October when his battalion was surprised by a large enemy force supported by tanks and artillery, and faced with annihilation, Lieutenant Colonel Ericksen organized his battalion in defensive positions and drove off the enemy attack. While at Cassino, Italy, Lieutenant Colonel Ericksen aided by another officer stopped a counterattack by a company of paratroops, killing and wounding at least twelve of the enemy. Night after night through heavy enemy mortar artillery and sniper fire Lieutenant Colonel Ericksen visited each company of his battalion to inspire and encourage his men. On the Anzio Beachhead, again he repeatedly visited forward areas to lead and assist his men in their defensive and patrolling activities. During the breakthrough to Rome, Italy, he was killed while leading a regimental convoy through an area under enemy fire. His valorous performance in combat is exemplary of the fighting spirit of the Army of the United States. Entered military service from Stillwater, Minnesota. Next of Kin: Mrs. Alice K. Ericksen (Wife), Stillwater, Minnesota.

Awarded posthumously.
Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 187 (1944).