Staff Sergeant Vernon Napier was the platoon sergeant for 1st
Platoon, Company B 709th Tank Battalion fighting in Europe when
he would be posthumously be awarded the Distinguished Service
Cross. Initially he was put in for the Medal of Honor but it was down
graded.
His tank had been hit when he ordered his crew to get off the
vehicle. He remained on it so as to keep in radio contact with the
infantry regiment they were supporting. When he ran out of tank
ammo he pulled out his M1911 and fought to his death.
He was the son of a man killed in the First World War.
NAPIER, VERNON (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Vernon Napier
(35264321), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism
in connection with military operations against an armed enemy
while serving with the 709th Tank Battalion, in action against
enemy forces on 8 December 1944. Sergeant Napier's intrepid
actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost
of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of
the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 10 (1945)
Home Town: Kenton County, Kentucky
Platoon, Company B 709th Tank Battalion fighting in Europe when
he would be posthumously be awarded the Distinguished Service
Cross. Initially he was put in for the Medal of Honor but it was down
graded.
His tank had been hit when he ordered his crew to get off the
vehicle. He remained on it so as to keep in radio contact with the
infantry regiment they were supporting. When he ran out of tank
ammo he pulled out his M1911 and fought to his death.
He was the son of a man killed in the First World War.
NAPIER, VERNON (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Vernon Napier
(35264321), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism
in connection with military operations against an armed enemy
while serving with the 709th Tank Battalion, in action against
enemy forces on 8 December 1944. Sergeant Napier's intrepid
actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost
of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of
the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 10 (1945)
Home Town: Kenton County, Kentucky
The 8th Battalion 40th Armor was an
Army Reserve Tank Battalion stationed
at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
The unit came from Company B of the
709th Tank Battalion that fought in the
ETO during World War II.
The 40th Armor Regiment's Motto is
"By Force And Valor"
Army Reserve Tank Battalion stationed
at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
The unit came from Company B of the
709th Tank Battalion that fought in the
ETO during World War II.
The 40th Armor Regiment's Motto is
"By Force And Valor"
