Number 66777

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BRONZE STAR WON BY CLIFTON FORGE SOLDIER

WITH THE 10TH ARMORED DIVISION IN GERMANY - First Lieutenant Joseph T. Gebhardt of the 419th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 10th Armored Division, has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal by Major General William H. Morris, Jr.

Lt. Gebhardt is the son of Mrs. Joseph Gebhardt, Fairview Heights, Clifton Forge, Virginia.

The citation read as follows:

"Lieutenant Gebhardt Distinguished himself while serving as a field artillery battery executive officer in the vicinity of Altrier, Luxembourg. While his battery was firing on attacking German infantry, it was suddenly subjected to heavy hostile counter fire. Lt. Gebhardt, realizing the seriousness of the situation, immediately left the comparative safety of his half-track, and after assuring himself that the battery members were protected as well as possible by their vehicles, he, with utter disregard for his personal safety, remained exposed in the center of the battery position, encouraging his men to continue their fire. So urgent was the need for artillery support at that time that had the battery ceased fire or displaced to an alternate position, the temporary decrease in the fire power of the battalion might well have proved disastrous. The intrepidity, initiative and exemplary leadership displayed by Lt. Gebhardt, in the face of an extremely critical situation, were inspirational to his men and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military forces of the United States."