Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

Headquarters Company, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (Headquarters Company, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

Private First Class Joseph A. Hergott (Army Serial Number 32253231), Infantry, while serving with the army of the United States, distinguished himself by heroic service in connection with military operations against enemy on 27 August 1944, in the area of Provins, France. Approaching the city the advance element of a task force met fierce resistance from well emplaced 88-mm anti-tank guns, "bazookas", and mortars. Four tanks were sent forward to locate and reduce the gun positions holding up the advance. PFC Hergott was cannoneer in one of the tanks assigned this hazardous mission. As the tank pitched boldly into the enemy, he kept his gun firing, bringing destructive fire on the enemy gun emplacements. His tank destroyed one 88-mm gun and killed and wounded many infantrymen armed with "bazookas" before it received three direct hits and was put out of action. The valor he displayed in the attack upon a superior force reflects the fighting spirit which has made the American soldier a much-to-be-feared adversary.

Posthumously awarded.
Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 50 (16 September 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

Headquarters Company, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army