Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Company E, 2nd Battalion, 306th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division "Statue of Liberty", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

December 26th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Iceberg

Place and date of action: Okinawa, Ryukyus islands, 7 May 1945
Citation:
"For gallantry in action on 7 May 1945. About 0500, near Kochi, Company E, 306th Infantry, received a strong enemy counter-attack by a reinforced company. Private Eggert, who was on the left flank, seeing the enemy approach within very close range, held his fire until they were almost on top of his foxhole. The suddenness of his riflefire caught the enemy completely by surprise and disorganized their efforts. Disregarding his own safety and taking advantage of the enemy's confusion he left his foxhole an ran forward to take up a better position. With grenades he accounted for two machine guns and a mortar crew. After the enemy had been annihalated, eleven dead Japanese were counted around Private Eggert's foxhole. The three weapons had been destroyed. His courage aggressiveness, and initiative were in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and were an inspiration to the men of his company."



At the time of the action he still held the rank of Private First Class.
Awarded posthumously.
General Orders No.499, Headquarters 77th Infantry Division (26 December 1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Company E, 306th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division "Statue of Liberty"

Awarded on:

1945

Awarded for:

Operation Iceberg