Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Sergeant

Unit:

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

1st Sergeant (then Staff Sergeant) Avery W. Mauldin (Army Serial Number 34138552), Infantry, Company "C", 31st Tank Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 1 September 1944, in the area of Exermont, France. After being attacked by an enemy ambush, one vehicle of American Tank force toppled into a ditch, trapping its crew inside the overturned tank. While serving as acting 1st Sergeant, 1st Sergeant Mauldin advanced under a violent artillery barrage and heavy fire from anti-tank guns to the exposed vehicle. Ignoring the shells exploding throughout the area, he persisted in his efforts to remove the tank and free the trapped crew. 1st Sgt. Mauldin's courageous and determined action is worthy of the highest praise.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 55 (21 September 1944).