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Hammerschmidt, Martin Marshall

Date of birth:
1924 (DuPage County/Illinois, United States)
Date of death:
March 1st, 1945
Buried on:
Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial
Plot: J. Row: 16. Grave: 9.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
1st Lieutenant
Unit:
Company A, 7th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division "Thundering Herd", U.S. Army
The Silver Star is presented to Martin M. Hammerschmidt (0-436584), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 7th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany during the period 22 January to 25 January 1945. On 22 January Lieutenant Hammerschmidt drove a half-track into a street which was under enemy fire. This action permitted an aid man to evacuate wounded. From the night of 23 January until relieved on 25 January, Lieutenant Hammerschmidt's platoon outposted key terrain east of Nenning. During this period the platoon's position was under artillery, mortar and small arms fire. Lieutenant Hammerschmidt showed complete disregard for his own safety. His actions were an inspiration to his men and aided materially in the success of the operation. Lieutenant Hammerschmidt's personal bravery and inspiring leadership reflect the greatest credit upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States. Hometown: Chicago, Illinois.

Headquarters, 8th Armored Division, General Orders No. 1 (8 February 1945).
Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Sources

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