Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technician Fourth Grade

Unit:

Troop D, 41st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 11th Armored Division "Thunderbolt", U.S. Army (Troop D, 41st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 11th Armored Division "Thunderbolt", U.S. Army)

Technician Fourth Grade Harry C. Saunders (ASN: 39192116), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Troop D, 41st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 11th Armored Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy on 1 April 1945, in Germany. While serving as a gunner in the lead platoon, Technician Saunders was twenty minutes ahead of the advance guard. Before entering the town five enemy half tracks were spotted at the rear of his column, one with 10-mm. cannon mounted and four with 20-mm. mounted. Technician Saunders commanded the situation since his car commander had gone forward. By accurate fire with his 37-mm. gun which Technician Saunders loaded and fired himself he destroyed four of the enemy vehicles and approximately fifty-two enemy were killed by 50 caliber machine gun fire before they could do any damage. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army. Technician Saunders entered the military service from Washington.

Headquarters 11th Armored Division, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 96 (1 June 1945).