Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

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

Captain Claude Garland, Jr., (Army Serial Number 01010131), Cavalry, Company "B", 31st Tank Battalion, United States Arty, for distinguishing himself by gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 15 August 1944 in the area of Chartres, France. In the attack upon Chartres, the tank which Captain Garland was commanding came under heavy fire, began to burn and toppled helplessly into a deep shellhole. The crew was unable to extricate itself and in imminent danger of perishing in the flames. Ignoring the concentrated and accurate shelling in which the vehicle was being subjected, Captain Garland succeeded in reaching the door of the tank. Despite his completely exposed position, he kept the door open and assisted each member of the crew to evacuate the stricken vehicle. After the tank had been completely destroyed by enemy fire, Captain Garland led his men safely back to their own lines, crawling under fire for two miles with a painfully sprained ankle.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 44 (10 september 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

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

For wounds received as a result of enemy action on 25 August 1944, in the Melun Area, France.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 38 (4 September 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

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

Captain Claude Garland, Jr., (Army Serial Number 01010131), Cavalry, while serving with the Army of the United States, distinguished himself by gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 23 December 1944, in the area of Saint Vith, Belgium. When a hidden tank brought deadly fire to bear on our forces as they occupied a new defense line, Captain Garland unhesitatingly advanced against the hostile armor. Although the concealed position or the enemy gave him a great disadvantage, Captain Garland continued the fire fight until severely wounded. Even when under medical care Captain Garland continued to direct operations of his forces through instructions to his key non-commissioned officers. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 72 (2 May 1945).