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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Wayne Clifton Zimmerman (ASN: 0-12346), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during the period from 16 May through 2 June 1943, at Attu Island, Territory of Alaska. Colonel Zimmerman assumed command of an Infantry Regiment when the former commanding officer was killed in action. His immediate presence and aggressive spirit were soon felt throughout the battalions of his command. With utter disregard of his own personal safety, he personally led leading elements through a difficult pass that had stopped this regiment for several days. This act of personal bravery and leadership restored confidence and aggressiveness to his command, which had been badly shaken by battle casualties and exposure to extreme weather. He continued to direct his troops from front line positions under enemy artillery, machine gun, and small arms fire. Although assistants were wounded near him, he remained in his extreme forward position, directing continuous attacks until the hostile forces were destroyed. His heroic attitude and continued presence with his front line fighting elements maintained an uplift in the fighting spirit of his troops in spite of the many days of fighting, severe weather, mountainous terrain, and great distances. He, himself, suffered from frostbite and swollen feet, the fact of which he kept from his men. His calmness and cool thinking under fire, his leadership and his tireless devotion to duty, with little, if any rest were inspiring to all. His continuous attacks left the enemy no respite or escape and appreciably shortened hostilities, thereby saving many American lives. Lieutenant Colonel Zimmerman's gallant leadership, 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, the 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)