Hernandez, William M.

Date of birth:: 1896 (Virginia, United States)
Date of death:: August 20th, 1944 (Douains/Eure department, Upper Normandy, France)
Buried on:: Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial
Plot: N. Row: 4. Grave: 18.
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Army Service Number: O-191305.

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Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:: 628th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 5th Armored Division "Victory", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: 1944

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 628th Tank Destroyer Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 20 August 1944, near St. Vincent de Bois, France. With utter disregard for his own safety Lieutenant Colonel Hernandez personally directed the fire of one of this Tank Destroyers, silencing the enemy fire and enabling the forward movement of our troops to continue. His continuous presence with the forward elements combined with his exemplary judgment and leadership, maintained in the face of intense enemy fire, during which he was fatally wounded, set an inspiring example of his command, and are worthy of the best traditions of the service.

Posthumously awarded.
Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 59..

Purple Heart

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:: 628th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 5th Armored Division "Victory", U.S. Army

Sources

- 5th Atmored Division.org
- American Battle Monuments Commission
- Military Times.com