Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

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

Second Lieutenant David V. Cunningham, O-2000128 (then technical sergeant), Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action near *** [Lutrebois], Belgium on 2 January 1945. The enemy occupied a house from which they directed automatic weapons fire, augmented by an antitank gun before the house. Thus, the structure constituted a strongpoint impeding the progress of the Third Battalion, 134th Infantry. Lieutenant Cunningham seized a rocket-launcher and several phosphorous grenades and approached the building. Its walls too thick to permit effective use of the rocket-launcher, he took advantage of the battle noises, scaled the rear of the building, reached the roof and dropped his grenades down the chimney. As a result of this gallant action, the enemy strongpoint was reduced and the battalion proceeded upon its mission.
Entered military service from Virginia.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 13 (20 February 1945).