US PARAS Polette, Lloyd L.,Jr

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Polette
  • FORENAME
Lloyd L.,Jr
  • UNIT
508 Parachute Infantry Regiment (Company F)
  • RANK
First Lieutenant
  • NUMBER
0-1309822
  • DATE OF DEATH
22nd January 1945
  • AGE
  • GRAVESITE
St Joseph Cemetery,Shreveport,Louisiana
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Caddo Parish,Louisiana
husband of Eleanor R. Polette,2707 King's Highway,Shreveport,Louisiana
awards D.S.C.,Silver Star with oak leaf cluster,Bronze Star,Military Cross (GB)
WIA 21.1.1945 Belgium
DOW Belgium
 

DATE OF DEATH:

22-Jan-1945

AWARD:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/polette-lloyd-l-jr.38981/

CITATION:

Distinguished Service Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Lloyd L. Polette, Jr. (ASN: 0-1309822), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy on 17 and 18 September 1944, near Nijmegen, Holland. First Lieutenant Polette, platoon leader of Company F, 2d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry, by his courage and intrepidly, destroyed two enemy gun positions and led a determined assault upon an important bridge. On 17 September 1944, Lieutenant Polette led his platoon as advance party of his battalion on the advance through the outskirts of Nijmegen to the battalion objective, southwest of the city. He destroyed a 20-millimeter anti-aircraft gun, which was placing effective fire upon the column, by moving to a position near the gun and attacking the position with an explosive grenade. At another point along the battalion route of advance, two enemy machine guns threatened the column with heavy fire. He directed his platoon in the destruction of one gun while he destroyed the second with a bazooka and a phosphorous grenade. On 18 September 1944, he led his platoon in an attack upon a bridge near Nijmegen, an important bridge crossing the Maas-Waal Canal. When his platoon was pinned down by enemy automatic weapons fire, Lieutenant Polette remained in an exposed position where he could best observe the enemy and direct the fire of his platoon. Although his automatic weapons were knocked out by German mortars, he continued to press the attack. After a quick reorganization of his depleted platoon, he led a second spirited attack which seized the position. The conduct of Lieutenant Polette inspired much confidence within his platoon. His willingness to personally lead every assault, and his complete indifference to danger was responsible for the success of his platoon mission. First Lieutenant Polette's gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Lloyd L. Polette, Jr. (ASN: 0-1309822), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy at Normandy, France, on 8 June 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Military Cross (GB) : Lloyd G. POLETTE (0-1309822) 1st Lieutenant, Infantry, US Army. For gallantry in action on 18 September 1944, southwest of NIJMEGAN, HOLLAND. Lt POLETTE, commanding a platoon of only 20 men, and one MG Section, moved against a bridge spanning the MAAS-WAAL canal. Within 300 yards from the objective the platoon was stopped by heavy machine gun fire. He dispersed his men and directed fire and re-disposition with utter disregard for the perils of such exposure. Lt POLETTE persevered in this attack for two hours against .88mm artillery and .20 mm depressed flak-gun fire, then withdrew his men, rested them, and returned to the assault with support from .81 mm mortars. He led his squad on a charge that forced the bridge defences and then held out until relief was available. Through his courage, skill and cool, resourceful leadership, a crossing over the MAAS-WAAL Canal was secured to make a clear route available to the north for the SECOND ARMY. The accomplishment of a mission normally assigned a larger force, reflects great credit on Lt POLETTE and the United States Army.

WEB LINKS:

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/23118
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7402830 (GB MC)
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