Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

Lieutenant Colonel Robert C. Erlenbusch, (Army Serial Number 021230), Cavalry, 31st Tank battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by gallantry in action on 17 August 1944, in the area of Chartres, France. During the attack on Chartres Lt. Col. Erlenbusch, with complete disregard for his own safety, personally led his battalion in assaulting this strongly fortified city. The town was known to be heavily defended by all types of anti-tank guns, and enemy forces were strategically emplaced in innumerable concealed positions throughout the city. The German troops also had the outstanding advantage of observation from the lofty Cathedral Towers, which the allied Armies had orders not to destroy. Placing his tank at the head of his column, Lt. Col. Erlenbusch by his courageous example inspired his men to accomplish a difficult and dangerous mission.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 39 (5 september 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

Lieutenant Colonel Robert C. Erlenbusch (Army Serial Number 0212130), Cavalry, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 14 September 1944, in the area of Chauncey, France. Pushing his tank force steadily forward despite the most adverse conditions, Lt. Col. Erlenbusch successfully carried out his vital mission of widening our bridgehead over the Moselle River. Maintaining constant control of the battalion, he maneuvered it safely over hazardous terrain, leading the vehicles to their objective with minimum losses. Lt. Col. Erlenbusch's outstanding performance of his hazardous duty is worthy of the highest praise.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

Lieutenant Colonel Robert C. Erlenbusch (Army Serial Number 021230), Cavalry, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States from 17 December 1944 to 23 December 1944, in the area of St. Vith, Belgium. With the situation at St. Vith critical, Lt. Col. Erlenbusch braved heavy enemy fire to place his battalion in defensive position west of the town. When German assault broke through our lines, he personally led a counter-attack that threw back the hostile troops and eliminated this grave threat to our defenses. During a week of Fierce battle, Lt. Col Erlenbusch's outstanding courage and able leadership inspired his battalion to hold against overwhelming odds, slowing the spearheads of the German counter-offensive, and giving us time to mass sufficient troops to beat back this bid for winter successes.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 26 (30 January 1945).
This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.