World War II Honoree

Gordon Emanuel Willis

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Texas

Honored By

Jenni Garzaniti

Relationship

Great Niece

SERGEANT. RECEIVED THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL POSTHUMOUSLY WHILE IN THE INFANTRY FIGHTING IN THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE. THE AWARD DATED SEPTEMBER 27, 1945 READS: 'FOR HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST THE ENEMY, ON JANUARY 24, 1945 IN BELGIUM. DURING THE ATTACK NEAR GRAND HALLEUX, IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE 3RD BATTALION TO CROSS SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS OF OPEN FIELD, UNDER VERY INTENSE MACHINE GUN FIRE. WHEN THE COMPANY ON THE RIGHT FLANK BECAME HELD UP BY THE ENEMY, HE IMMEDIATELY EMPLOYED A 60MM MORTAR AND ELIMINATED THE POSITION, ALLOWING THE ATTACK TO CONTINUE. LATTER WHEN COMPANY BECAME PINNED DOWN BY MACHINE GUN FIRE, HE, WITHOUT ORDERS CALLED FOR A MORTAR AND AMMUNITION AND USING ONLY THE TUBE, HOLDING IT BETWEEN HIS LEGS, HE EXPENDED OVER 30 ROUNDS HITTING ONE ENEMY POSITION AND FORCING THE ENEMY TO WITHDRAW, ALLOWING COMPANY TO CONTINUE THE ADVANCE. HE WAS KILLED IN THE ENSUING ACTION. THIS DISPLAY OF INITIATIVE, LEADERSHIP AND SELF SACRIFICE, FOR WHICH HE GAVE HIS LIFE IS OF THE HIGHEST ORDER AND COMMANDS THE GREATEST CREDIT.'