Lloyd E. Patch

Lloyd Edwin Patch (8 October 1916 in Massachusetts – 6 December 1985 in Florida) was an American Captain 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. He retired as a Colonel.

Awards

 * Distinguished Service Cross on 1 July 1944 as Captain and Commanding officer of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division
 * Silver Star Medal in 1945 as Captain in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division
 * Bronze Star Medal in 1952 as Lieutenant Colonel in the 2nd Infantry Division

DSC citation
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Lloyd E. Patch (ASN: 0-364576), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. Captain Patch assembled a group of sixty parachutists from a number of different regiments into an organized fighting unit and led them in an attack against Ste Marine Du Mont. Encountering heavy enemy resistance in the form of a battery of 105-mm. guns, he led successful assaults against these gun positions. As he moved closer to Ste Marine Du Mont extremely intense enemy automatic weapons fire halted the advance. Captain Patch then directed his men back to the captured enemy gun positions, reversed the guns and placed short range direct artillery fire on the enemy positions in the town. This fire was so effective that it completely disorganized the enemy and made possible the capture of the town. The courage and outstanding leadership displayed by Captain Patch 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."

Silver Star Medal synopsis
"Captain (Infantry) Lloyd E. Patch (ASN: 0-364576), United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 101st Airborne Division during World War II."