TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Kryder, George M., Jr.

Service number:
O-479715
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
1st Lieutenant
For wounds received in action on 30 July 1944 in Normandie, France.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 58 (26 December 1944).
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
1st Lieutenant
Unit:
Company I, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army (Company I, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army)
First Lieutenant George M. Kryder Jr, O-479715, Infantry, United States Army, for heroic service in connections with military operations against an enemy of the United States near
*** [Rémelfing], France on 8 December 1944. On 8 December, Company I, 134th Infantry, was order to make a night crossing of the *** [Saar] River and enter the city of *** [Sarreinsming] of the opposite shore, as part of the third battalion action. After making a personal reconnaissance of the crossing site, Lieutenant Kryder, commanding Company I, moved at the head of his men toward the river, urging his men forward. Although this company’s left flank was left exposed when a supporting company was engaged in a determined fire fight by the enemy, Lieutenant Kryder led his unit in an advance through three thousand yards of prepared enemy positions, captured fifty prisoners and finally entered ***[Sarreinsming]. Enemy fire was so heavy in the city that evacuation of wounded and prisoners proved impossible. Quickly appraising the situation, Lieutenant Kryder set up an aid station in a captured building with the assistance of his aid end and other soldiers who had had some medical training, undoubtedly saving numerous lives that might have been lost if no immediate treatment had been available. He also established a prisoner of war cage and assembled all civilians in one section of the town, screening them for persons thought to be favoring the enemy. This action greatly contributed to the elimination of sniper for within the city. Lieutenant Kryder’s aggressive and resourceful was a vital factor in the success of his battalion and reflects credit upon and character and training as an officer.
Entered military service from Michigan.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 9 (29 January 1945).
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)

Sources

Photo