| Herman J. Cordes | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1921 |
| Died | June 12, 1944 (aged 22-23) |
| Place of birth | Colorado |
| Place of death | Basse-Normandie, France |
| Place of burial | Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942-1944 |
| Rank | Private |
| Service number | 39528950 |
| Unit | Company A, 1st Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross |
Herman J. Cordes (1921 in Colorado - Killed in action 12 June 1944 in Basse-Normandie, France) was an American Private 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 & Decorations[]
- Combat Infantryman Badge
- Distinguished Service Cross on 1 July 1944 (posthumously) as Private in Company A, 1st Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division
- Purple Heart
- American Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
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 Private Herman J. Cordes (ASN: 39528950), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 10 June 1944, in France. A patrol of which Private Cordes was a member, while attempting to determine whether or not forces observed in a nearby town were friendly, was suddenly brought under intense machine gun, mortar and artillery fire. Then, without hesitation and with total disregard for his own safety, Private Cordes moved a light machine gun to an exposed position on the road and opened fire on the enemy. Although the enemy placed their intense fire on Private Cordes, he continued to fire and hold his ground until the patrol had safely withdrawn. The courage, initiative and determination displayed by Private Cordes in the face of great danger 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.
Sources[]
- "Herman J. Cordes". Military Times. http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=22004. Retrieved June 8, 2017.
- http://www.honorstates.org/index.php?id=17928
- https://www.abmc.gov/node/407890#.WXeq0J8pBAg