Potts, Benjamin T.

Date of death:: December 12th, 1944 (the Netherlands)
Buried on:: Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial
Nationality:: American

Biography

Servicenumber O-1011981.

Benjamin T. Potts is being reported Missing in Action since December 12th, 1944. His name has been engraved on the Tablets of the Missing at Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten.

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Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: 1st Lieutenant
Unit:: Company D, 81st Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division "Victory", U.S. Army (Company D, 81st Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division "Victory", U.S. Army)
Awarded on:: August 27th, 1944

Citation unavailable.

Headquarters, 5th Armored Divions, General Orders No. 10 (27 August 1944).

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: 1st Lieutenant
Unit:: Company D, 81st Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division "Victory", U.S. Army (Company D, 81st Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division "Victory", U.S. Army)
Awarded on:: December 29th, 1944

Citation:
"For gallantry in action in Germany on 12 December 1944. First Lieutenant Potts was given the mission of carrying supplies to forward troops on the tanks which he commanded. Unable to locate the guide who was to direct them to the forward unit, he attempted to locate them by making dismounted reconnaissance in spite of the fact that the area was known to be heavily mined. During this action First Lieutenant Potts was killed when the forward tank struck an anti-tank mine. The devotion to duty and disregard for his own safety displayed by First Lieutenant Potts is worthy of the highest traditions of the military service."

Headquarters, 5th Armored Divions, General Orders No. 26 (29 December 1944).