Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Company I, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division "Old Reliables", U.S. Army (Company I, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division "Old Reliables", U.S. Army)

Awarded on:

September 24th, 1969

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy in June 1944, during the Normandy Campaign, while a member of Company I, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Withers' company was situated on the western side of the peninsula in an area where the enemy occupied heavily fortified positions consisting of numerous pillboxes. Further advancement of his unit was impossible at this point, and the unit was receiving intense small arms, machine gun and rifle fire. Without regard for his personal safety, Sergeant Withers courageously made his way to the enemy pillboxes, one-by-one, while under withering fire. He hurled hand grenades into the turrets of the pillboxes, knocking them out, in succession, until four had been put out of action. The courageous actions by Sergeant Withers enabled his company and other units to continue the mission and contributed immeasurably to achieving the mission objectives. His exemplary courage and gallantry in the face of enemy fire were an inspiration to his fellow soldiers and reflected the utmost credit upon Staff Sergeant Withers, his unit, and the United States Army."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 58 (September 24, 1969).