Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Company B, 303rd Engineer Battalion, 78th Infantry Division "Lightning", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

February 20th, 1945

By direction of the President, under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to Private First Class John C. Beeks (37521379), Corps of Engineers, Company B, 303rd Engineer Battalion, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on 8 February in the vicinity of .. in Germany.

Private First Class Beeks was a member of a squad of engineers attached to an infantry unit pinned down by a dense automatic weapons fire. The infantry commander called for tank support, but because of a deep enemy anti-tank minefield, it was impossible for the tanks to maneuver. After a quick estimate of the best approach, the engineer group divided into two units and rode the two leading tanks forward clearing paths as they went. Under direct and observed artillery, mortar and small arms fire, Private First Class Beeks and the party continued the task, dropping back to following tanks when the lead tanks were disabled by enemy anti-tank weapons. His outstanding bravery and devotion to duty in aiding as much as possible the advance of the tanks are in accordance with the highest military traditions.

- Headquarters, 78th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 43 (20 February, 1945).