Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division "Ivy Division", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

April 7th, 1945

WO 373/150. Posthumously awarded.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division "Ivy Division", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Prum, Germany, 10th February, 1945. Enemy fire emanating from three buildings prevented Sgt. Ayer’s Company from reaching its objective. Without orders from his platoon leader, he made his way toward the first house and killed two Germans, visible at a window as he approached. He then entered the house, single handed, killed two more Germans and forced the surrender of the remaining twelve. Sgt. Ayers then returned to his unit and asked permission to repeat the process on the remaining two points of resistance. Permission was granted, and two men were sent along to cover his assault. He then crept up to a point near a second building and hurled a grenade inside, followed closely by his entry, firing his automatic rifle rapidly. By the employment of this daring method, he successfully neutralized all resistance which had impeded his company. He killed a total of five Germans in the last two houses, and captured 41 prisoners. The outstanding heroism displayed by Sgt. Ayers is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service."

Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 541. Posthumously awarded.