York, Russell J.

Date of birth:: August 5th, 1921
Date of death:: July 22nd, 2006
Nationality:: American

Biography

For the service within his unit, Russell York was also entitled to wear the Presidential Unit Citation and the Fourragère of the Belgian Croix de Guerre.

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Technician 4th Grade (T-4)
Unit:: 4th Engineer Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division "Ivy Division", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: 1945

Citation:
"For gallantry in action in Germany, November 20, 1944, Medical Technician Fourth Grade York accompanied an engineer squad on a mission of building a two-span trestle bridge. The bridge site [The Weiser Weh near Grosshau] and a nearby crossroads were under direct enemy observation and subject to mortar and artillery fire. While the work was in progress, the enemy delivered a concentration of heavy caliber artillery fire. As the squad dispersed, several members became casualties. Although the shelling continued, Medical Technician Fourth Grade York went from one man to another administering first aid. While one casualty lay in an exposed position, directly on the crossroads, he bandaged his wounds and assisted in removing him to a vehicle. As the shelling continued, York repeatedly entered the zone of fire to administer to the casualties, regardless of personal risk involved. Many shells burst close by, but he persisted in work until all wounded were evacuated. ... York's spirit of courageous self-sacrifice resulted in saving many lives."

HQ, 4th Infantry Division, General Order No. 14 (1945).