Robert L. Deckard

Robert L. Deckard (9 May 1921 in Indiana - Killed in action 22 September 1944 in St. Oedenrode, Holland) was an American Private First Class 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.

Early life
Robert was born in Indiana on 9 May 1921 to Perry R. and Alice M. Deckard. He also had a sister (Sarah).

Military service
He enlisted in the United States Army from Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana on 9 February 1942 (ASN: 15099076). He was a member of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Death
He was killed by a sniper on 22 September 1944 in St. Oedenrode, Holland, The Netherlands. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroic actions posthumously on the day he was killed. His body was returned to the U.S. and buried in the Dugger Cemetery in Dugger, Indiana.

Awards & decorations

 * Parachutist Badge with 2 Combat Jump Stars
 * Combat Infantryman Badge
 * Distinguished Service Cross on 14 March 1945 (posthumously) as Private First Class in Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Infantry Division
 * Purple Heart
 * Army Good Conduct Medal
 * American Campaign Medal
 * European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 bronze campaign stars
 * World War II Victory Medal

DSC 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 Private First Class Robert L. Deckard (ASN: 15099076), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 22 September 1945, in the vicinity of Saint Oedenrode, Holland. As the lead scout for an infantry platoon Private First Class Deckard was forward of the main body when it became pinned down by enemy machine gun and 88-mm. fire. Private First Class Deckard was wounded while exposing himself in order to locate the machine gun. Disregarding his wound, he continued forward and hurled a grenade which destroyed the enemy gun and killed most of its crew. Discovering the location of an enemy 88-mm. gun, Private First Class Deckard continued forward with a grenade in each hand. He hurled the grenade at the enemy gun emplacement, killing its entire crew and several of the enemy nearby. Immediately following this action, he was mortally wounded by an enemy sniper. His exceptional fortitude, initiative and unswerving devotion to duty gave inspiration to his comrades to emulate and were a great contribution to the defeat of the enemy in that sector. Private First Class Deckard's 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 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.</blockquote