- SURNAME
Beaton
- FORENAME
Edward J.
- UNIT
504 Parachute Infantry Regiment (Company C)
- RANK
Private
- NUMBER
12059177
- AWARD
Silver Star
- PLACE
Europe
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KIA - see Roll of Honour
ROLL OF HONOUR:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/beaton-edward-j.17608/CITATION:
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 Sergeant Edward J. Beaton (ASN: 12059177), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 9 - 10 October 1944, approximately one-half mile from ****, Holland. When the 3d Platoon of Company F made an attack on an enemy wooded strong point, Sergeant Beaton led the leading rifle squad . Despite a concentrated mortar barrage which temporarily disorganized the platoon's lead elements, the 1st Squad under Sergeant Beaton's aggressive leadership penetrated the enemy's defenses which were supported by interlocking bands of machine gun fire and reached a dyke roadbed not far behind the German main line of defense. The rifle squad immediately following was forced to a standstill by the intense small arms fire, and Sergeant Beaton's squad lost all contact with the remainder of the platoon. Although his squad was reduced to nine men, Sergeant Beaton immediately organized his defenses on the roadbed and successfully repelled small unit counterattacks by the enemy, during which action he and another comrade personally accounted for eight enemy dead or wounded. Under his intrepid direction, the squad withstood the enemy's thrusts for an hour and a half until a runner brought the platoon leader's order for his withdrawal. Guided by the runner, Sergeant Beaton led his remaining men over the hazardous route and when confronted by a machine gun nest that barred further advance, he personally knocked out the position with three hand grenades. Under his cool and courageous leadership the squad finally reached the remainder of the platoon. Sergeant Beaton's excellent judgment and superior leadership undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades, and his aggressive and courageous conduct accounted for at least ten of the enemy. 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.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/90255FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56279323/edward-j-beaton
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