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| Private Howard E. Weaver |
Class
of 2006
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United States Army
Distinguished Service Cross |
Citation
Howard E. Weaver, (35917780), Private, Infantry,
United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in action, on
1 October 1944, near Monghidoro, Italy. Private Weaver served
as first scout of an assault platoon in an attack against
strongly defended enemy positions on a ridge between the flanking
supporting companies. As he led the advance, a heavy concentration
of enemy machine gun fire narrowly missed him and hit two
squad leaders behind him. The assault platoon, composed of
replacements, became disorganized, and the attack was impeded.
Private Weaver assumed command of the squad and, after reorganizing
his men, led the advance up the hill until fire from an enemy
machine gun was encountered. By exposing himself to draw enemy
fire, Private Weaver located the emplacement, crawled to a
position within thirty-five yards of the weapon and threw
a grenade, wounding one German and killing another. After
climbing one hundred yards, the squad again was subjected
to intense machine gun fire fro a well concealed emplacement.
Private Weaver also located this machine gun by exposing himself
to its fire. Crawling to within twenty-five yards of the enemy
position, he hurled grenades at the emplacement and captured
two more Germans. With this second pillbox eliminated, Private
Weaver signaled his squad forward and continued the assault
up the hill. Observing a position affording cover for his
squad, Private Weaver led his men into the shelter of a bank
and climbed over the top to reconnoiter a route to the objective.
After killing a sniper hiding in a tree, Private Weaver motioned
his men toward the objective. Again leaving his squad in covered
positions, Private Weaver advanced toward a house in the face
of sniper fire. He entered the building alone and captured
two more enemy snipers. Private Weaver’s courageous
performance, his inspiring leadership and willingness to assume
responsibility at a critical time made it possible for his
company to take its objective. Entered military service from
Ashland, Ohio.
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