Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company M, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army

Corporal Kermit S. Meltz, 42051541, Infantry, United States Army, for heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States near *** [Lutrebois], Belgium on 31 December 1944. When a rifle company which his platoon was supporting was compelled to withdraw during the course of a powerful enemy counterattack, Corporal Meltz, first gunner in a machine gun platoon, maintained his gun in position for more than an hour, repelling three successive assaults and inflicting heavy casualties among the attacking Germans. Corporal Meltz was wounded by shell fragments, but continued to man his weapon after receiving first aid. Mounting pressure on both flanks finally made withdrawal mandatory, whereupon Corporal Meltz and the other members of the platoon brought each gun out of position and moved personnel and equipment to more advantageous positions without loss. Corporal Meltz’s fighting spirit and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the traditions of the military service.
Entered military service from New York.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 14 (26 February 1945).