Editor’s note: This Veterans Day Voice of OC is publishing a series of plaques honoring some of Orange County’s most decorated veterans. Louis Staff also received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.
2LT Louis A. Staff, U.S.A.
Citation: Distinguished Service Cross
War: World War II
2LT Louis A. Staff, Chemical Warfare Service, Company “B”, 95th Chemical Mortar Battalion, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in Germany, during the period 7 April 1945 to 9 April 1945. Lieutenant Staff, while serving as a Forward Observer for a platoon of chemical mortars with the loading assault elements, came under heavy enemy cross-fire, Lieutenant Staff and his party were pinned down for hours by heavy enemy fire. Under cover of darkness, Lieutenant Staff evacuated his men into a nearby woods where he evaded enemy patrols all night. The following morning, he succeeded in reestablishing radio contact with the supporting artillery and, at great personal risk, adjusted artillery fire on vital enemy emplacements and troop concentrations. By skillful and daring maneuvering, Lieutenant Staff succeeded in bringing his men back through the enemy lines and captured numerous prisoners on the way. His indomitable courage, gallantry, stamina, and loyal devotion to duty reflect highest credit upon himself in the military service.
Orange County Walk of Honor by AMVETS
