Vandervoort, Benjamin Hayes "Vandy" (O-22715)
(Gasport/New York/United States, March 3rd, 1915 -
Hilton Head Island/South Carolina/United States, November 22nd, 1990) |
 |
January 22nd, 1945; Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations
against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d
Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in
action against enemy forces in Holland from 17 to 23 September 1944. On
17 September the Second Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry, Lieutenant
Colonel Vandervoort commanding, landed near Groesbeek, Holland.
Lieutenant Colonel Vandervoort hastened the reorganization and advanced
with his leading element to capture the initial battalion objective in
three and one half hours. On the afternoon of the 19th of September
1944, the Second Battalion moved into Nijmegen to attack prepared
defensive positions including dug in anti-tank and machine gun nests
and camouflaged snipers posts. Lieutenant Colonel Vandervoort
supervised and directed the assault while continually under direct fire
from these snipers. A coordinated attack was launched on the afternoon
of 21 September 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Vandervoort established
himself at a forward and exposed position to personally supervise and
coordinate the progress of the Infantry and attached armored elements.
Throughout the entire engagement, his total disregard for his own
safety made possible the continued coordination which led to the final
seizure of the bridge. Lieutenant Colonel Vandervoort's coolness,
outstanding courage and initiative, and his resolute leadership
contributed to the success of the mission of seizing intact the railway
and highway bridges. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous
devotion to duty 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."
(Source: General Orders No 10, Headquarters XVIII Airborne Corps)
(Image: US Army)
Awarded in the form of an Oak Leaf Cluster to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC
|
