Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technician 4th Grade (T-4)

Unit:

Company C, 760th Tank Battalion, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

April 21st, 1944

Wilbert E. Stoppenhagen, 39230968, Technician Fourth Grade, 760th Tank Battalion. For gallantry in action on 6 February 1944, in the vicinity of Cassino, Italy. During an engagement in Cassino, which at the time was strongly held by enemy forces, the tank of which Tec 4 Stoppenhagen was in command was firing at German infantrymen who occasionally were to be seen crossing the streets about 100 yards from the tank. Tec 4 Stoppenhagen, on one occasion, raised his head out of the turret in the face of comparatively close enemy fire and although his helmet was pierced by an enemy bullet, he succeeded in locating and destroying an enemy machine gun which had been breaking the periscopic sights on the tank. On several occasions, Tec 4 Stoppenhagen emerged completely from the tank to dislodge rounds jammed in the tank gun, each time exposing himself to close-range sniper and machine gun fire for approximately five minutes. Tec 4 Stoppenhagen’s courageous and inspiring actions exemplify the highest traditions of the military service. Entered service from Decatur, Indiana.

Headquarters 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 29 (21 April 1944).