RANGERS Dreher, William Edward, Jr

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Dreher
  • FORENAME
William Edward, Jr
  • UNIT
2 Ranger Bn (Company A)
  • RANK
Private First Class
  • NUMBER
35051852
  • AWARD
Distinguished Service Cross
  • PLACE
Normandy 1944
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
resided Ohio
born 06.07.1924, Cleveland, Ohio
3 years high school
civil occupation Stock clerk
single without dependents upon enlistment
12.03.1943 enlisted Fort Hayes Columbus, Ohio
promoted S/Sgt
19.08.1950 married Jean A. (nee Thompson) Dreher (1923-2007)
son John Robert Dreher (1951-1979)
died 25.11.1992 (Aged 68)
Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park, Ohio
 

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 Private First Class William E. Dreher, Jr. (ASN: 35051852), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 2d Ranger Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 7 June 1944, in France. While advancing as the point of a column into a village, Private First Class Dreher met point blank machine gun fire. Without hesitation he moved forward and destroyed this enemy machine gun. He continued to move into the village and was suddenly subjected to a barrage of enemy mortar and small arms fire. He engaged the enemy in this uneven fire fight, killing two enemy riflemen and remained at this advanced position until the enemy withdrew. Private First Class Dreher's heroic action, 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, his unit, and the United States Army.

WEB LINKS:

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/22069

FINDAGRAVE:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/116326697/william-edward-dreher
Last edited by a moderator:
Rangers in World War II
By Robert W Black
The Battalion
By Col. Robert W. Black
Top