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Syverson, Douglas W.

Date of birth:
August 3rd, 1917
Date of death:
September 15th, 1997
Service number:
0-1304304
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
1st Lieutenant
Unit:
Company A, 50th Armored Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division "Super Sixth", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1945
Citation:
"For gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 50th Armored Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in action in the vicinity of Arlencourt, Belgium, on 15 January 1945. When the lead scout of the platoon was seriously wounded while crossing an exposed ridge, Lieutenant Syverson, with complete disregard for his own safety, crossed the ridge under a withering hail of machine gun fire and evacuated the wounded man. His courageous action was instrumental in saving the life of the Soldier."

Headquarters, 6th Armored Division, General Orders No. 49 (1945).
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
1st Lieutenant
Unit:
Company A, 50th Armored Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division "Super Sixth", U.S. Army
Citation:
"For heroic service in connection with military operations in Belgium, Luxemburg and Germany during the period 5 January 1945 to 8 May 1945. He has constantly demonstrated outstanding courage under fire, loyalty and exemplary devotion to duty, despite the most adverse climatic and hazardous combat conditions."
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Citation:
"For gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Company G, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Angang-ni, Korea, on 4 September 1950. His company was attacked by an enemy force estimated at over 400 troops. One of his platoons had been subjected to a particularly fierce assault and was being disorganized by the fury of the fire sweeping its positions. One of three tanks, supporting the platoon, was disabled in this action. Utterly disregarding the enemy's intense fire, Captain Syverson moved among the men encouraging them on to greater efforts and placing them in defensive positions. Dispatching a small group of his men, to the rear, with instructions for setting up a defense of the town, he remained in his exposed position. He personally placed explosive charges to destroy the disabled tank and directed the evacuation of the wounded on the remaining tanks. After the disabled tank had been destroyed and assured of the safe removal of the wounded Captain Syverson led the platoon, through the encircling enemy to the company's position in the town. Here he quickly organized an effective defense and in spite of overwhelming odds the enemy was repulsed withy heavy losses. Captain Syverson's gallant actions, exemplary leadership and complete devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit upon himself and the United States Infantry."

Second Silver Star Medal awarded in the form of a bronze oak leaf cluster to be worn on the ribbon of the first Silver Star Medal.
At the time of the action he held the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
General Orders No. 9, Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division (January 4, 1951).
Citation:
"For gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Company G, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Kwaksen, Korea, on 31 October 1950. When his company was spearheading the regiment's drive toward the Yalu River, its advance was temporarily halted when it encountered severe fire from seven enemy tanks and an estimated battalion of enemy troops. When the enemy opened fire on his company's lead platoon, Captain Syverson, displaying outstanding leadership ability, courage and devotion to duty, moved forward into the severe enemy mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire to his lead platoon's position where, with utter disregard for personal safety, he personally directed establishment of a base of fire by the platoon. Then, although under intense enemy fire, he moved to the rear and in the extreme darkness, contacted his support platoon. Captain Syverson, again displaying utter disregard for personal safety led his support platoon back into the face of the enemy fire to a position from where it placed heavy fire on the enemy position and neutralized the enemy fire. Captain Syverson's courageous actions and outstanding leadership ability reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry."

Third Silver Star Medal awarded in the form of a second bronze oak leaf cluster to be worn on the ribbon of the first Silver Star Medal.
General Orders No. 223 , Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division (1951).
Legion of Merit - US Military
Legion of Merit - US Military
Purple Heart
Purple Heart
Purple Heart

Sources

Photo