On 24 December 1944, near Bennwihr, France, during a fierce urban battle, S/Sgt. Gus J. Kefurt accomplished what no other man could:
During a probe attack, he effectively adjusted artillery fire on an enemy tank close to his position and successfully halted the beast. When night fell, he maintained a 3-man outpost in the center of the town in the middle of the German positions and successfully fought off several hostile patrols attempting to penetrate his lines.
Assuming command of his platoon the following morning, Dec 25th, he led it in hand-to-hand fighting through the town until blocked by another tank. Using rifle grenades he knocked out the tank, and captured its crew and some supporting infantry. He then continued his attack from house to house against heavy machinegun and rifle fire. He jumped through an opening in a wall to be confronted by about 15 Germans. Although outnumbered he opened fire, killing 10 and capturing the others.
Advancing against a strongpoint that was holding up the company, his platoon was subjected to a strong counterattack and infiltration to its rear. Suffering heavy casualties in their exposed position. the men remained there due to S/Sgt. Kefurt's personal example of bravery, determination and leadership. He constantly exposed himself to fire by going from man to man to direct fire. During this time he killed approximately another 15 of the enemy at close range.
Although severely wounded in the leg, he refused first aid and immediately resumed fighting. When the forces to his rear were pushed back 3 hours later, he refused to be evacuated, but, during several more counterattacks, he moved painfully about under intense small arms and mortar fire, stiffening the resistance of his platoon by encouraging individual men and by his own fire until he was killed. As a result of S/Sgt. Kefurt's gallantry the position was maintained. For his actions on Christmas Eve and Day, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. #stayzero #zerofoxtrot #christmas #hero #ww2