World War II

BRONZE  STAR WON BY DENT COUNTIAN

  Pfc. James W. Vance has been awarded the Bronze Star medal and has mailed it and a copy of the citation to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Vance.  He also wears the combat infantry badge and the Purple Heart award for wounds received in February of this year.   The citation reads as follows:

"By direction of the President, under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to James W. Vance, 37640502, Private First Class,  Infantry.  Company B, 222d Infantry.  for heroic achievement in action on 27-28 of February 1945, near Wingen, France. "Private Vance, accompanying a 40-man patrol whose mission it was to make and maintain contact with the enemy encountered two enemy machinegun nests. In a flanking on these positions, Private Vance, with others, destroyed both emplacements in rapid succession.  During these engagements Private Vance was exposed to intense machine gun fire but he successfully carried out his assigned tasks.  As a result of his courage and devotion to duty, at least eight of the enemy were killed, twelve wounded, and two prisoners captured, in addition to the destruction of two German machne guns.  Entered military service from St. Louis, Missouri