"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and
beyond the call of duty on September 8, 1944, near Les Coates, Brittany, France. When the advance of the flank companies of 2 battalions was halted by intense enemy mortar, machine gun and sniper
fire from a fortified position on his left, Pfc. Prussman maneuvered
his squad to assault the enemy fortifications. Hurdling a hedgerow, he
came upon 2 enemy riflemen whom he disarmed. After leading his squad
across an open field to the next hedgerow, he advanced to a machine gun
position, destroyed the gun, captured its crew and 2 riflemen. Again
advancing ahead of his squad in the assault, he was mortally wounded by
an enemy rifleman, but as he fell to the ground he threw a hand grenade,
killing his opponent. His superb leadership and heroic action at the
cost of his life so demoralized the enemy that resistance at this point collapsed, permitting the 2 battalions to continue their advance."
From Pfc. Prussman's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on April 19, 1945.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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