Walter J. Bednarz (10 March 1921 in Massachusetts – Killed in action 18 September 1944 in Berg en Dal[1]) was an American Corporal in the United States Army during World War II. He also was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross which was awarded for having distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy in circumstances which do not justify the award of the Medal of Honor.
Awards[]
- Distinguished Service Cross in 1944 (posthumously) as Corporal in the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division[2][3]
- Purple Heart (posthumously) as Private in the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division[2]
- Combat Infantryman Badge (posthumously) as Private in the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division[2]
Distinguished Service Cross citation[]
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Walter J. Bednarz (ASN: 20109683), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in action against enemy forces on 17 September 1944, in Holland. Corporal Bednarz, as leader of a squad of eight men, was given the mission of establishing and defending a roadblock at important road junction at Beek, Holland. A patrol of 18 German parachutists armed with machine guns and machine pistols attacked and attempted to destroy the position. Corporal Bednarz, upon seeing that he could not fire on this patrol without endangering the lives of a group of civilians directly between his position and the enemy, without regard for his own safety, leapt from his dug-in position and rushed to meet the oncoming enemy. At point blank range he sprayed the attackers with submachine gun fire. His action in single-handedly attacking a vastly superior enemy force in such a manner required the highest type of courage. The unhesitating action of Corporal Bednarz in a critical and unusual situation saved the lives of a number of innocent persons, rendered a most distinguished service by the destruction of an unknown number of enemy and strengthened the security of the position. Corporal Bednarz was killed in this action. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.[3]
References[]
- ↑ "Walter J. Bednarz". Find a Grave. http://www.findagrave.com/memorial/86317645. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "CPL WALTER J. BEDNARZ". http://508pir.org/taps/graves/b/bednarz_wj.htm. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Walter J. Bednarz". Military Times. http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=21882. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
External links[]
The original article can be found at Walter J. Bednarz and the edit history here.