134th Infantry Regiment Website
"All Hell Can't Stop Us"
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134th Infantry Regiment Website"All Hell Can't Stop Us" |
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Leslie Everett Gump, son of Raymond and Stella Hays (Witty) Gump, was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska on May 6, 1918. He was a member of the Nebraska National Guard and was inducted into the Army on December 23, 1940. He and his wife Betty had 2 children, Jerry Lee and Thomas Gene.
First Sergeant Leslie E Gump served in Headquarters Platoon, Company A and landed on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France on July 5, 1944. He was injured in action on July 30 and returned to duty August 3, 1944. He was Killed in Action on August 9, 1944 in the vicinity of Mortain, France. 1st/Sgt Leslie E Gump was posthumously awarded a Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action during the battle which cost him his life. He is buried at Wyuka Cemetery, Nebraska City, Nebraska.
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Silver Star Medal (posthumous) Citation |
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First Sergeant Leslie E Gump, 20721469, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action near Mortain, Normandy, France, 9 August 1944. When his company was pinned down by intense fire from an enemy machine gun to its front, Sergeant Gump was ordered to engage the enemy in a holding action while the enemy machine gun was enveloped by a reinforced rifle squad. The position occupied by Sergeant Gump and his holding force was subject to heavy fire from the enemy machine gun. Disregarding his personal safety, Sergeant Gump exposed himself in order to gain the best possible observation, the more effectively to direct the fire of his group. He drew so near to the enemy position that he was able to throw hand grenades into the position and kill three of its occupants. While so engaged, he was killed. His gallantry in action, disregard for personal safety, and zeal for the success of his company in its mission enabled the enveloping unit to completely destroy the enemy machine gun position and enabled the company to continue its advance. His actions reflect credit upon his character as a soldier and are in accord with the high traditions of the military service. Entered military service from Nebraska. General Orders No. 25, Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, 25 August 1944 |
