Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

July 9th, 1943

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ben Sternberg (ASN: 0-21286), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 23 to 25 March 1943, near El Guettar, Tunisia. In a determined effort to destroy the preliminary American offensive in t his sector, more than 200 enemy tanks, halftracks and armored vehicles attacked the 1st Infantry Division at dawn on 23 March. Lieutenant Colonel Sternberg, at great personal risk and with complete disregard of danger to himself, immediately circulated throughout his battalion area, exposing himself to severe enemy machine gun, mortar and artillery fire in the treeless terrain in order to shift critical positions, stiffen resistance and personally direct local counter-attacks. When the battalion was once more subjected to furious enemy assault, Lieutenant Colonel Sternberg stimulated his troops by his own example to such determined resistance that the enemy was beaten off and the position held intact. The indomitable courage and initiative displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Sternberg inspired his command to greater efforts and aided materially in the success of the mission.

Headquarters, U.S. Army-North African Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 50 (9 July 1943).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1944

Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 7

Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Military Assistance Command Vietnam, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

April 1966

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as J-1, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, during the period from January 1964 to March 1966."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 15