Milan Dejml
Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 8 January 1943, Sergeant Milan Dejml was serving with the 123nd Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Division in the South Pacific Area.

On that day, SGT Dejml's unit was in action against Japanese forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. A gunner in a forward position was wounded in an enemy attack and 2 members of his company were under heavy enemy fire as they tried to rescue the wounded man. SGT Dejml left the security of his foxhole to move to a position from which he could cover the withdrawal of the rescue party. He advanced to within about 7 yards from the wounded man and provided covering rifle fire until he was mortally wounded. SGT Dejml's selfless, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Milan Dejml (ASN: 20610671), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces while serving with the 123d Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, in action on 8 January 1943, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. When a gunner in an advanced position was wounded in an enemy attack, and two members of his company were subjected to intense enemy fire as they attempted to rescue the wounded soldier, Sergeant Dejml left the security of his fox hole to reach a position from which he could protect the withdrawal of the rescue party. He advanced to within approximately seven yards from the wounded man and provided protective rifle fire until he was mortally wounded. Sergeant Dejml's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 112 (1943)

Burial

Sergeant Milan Dejml is buried at Wilber Czech Cemetery in Wilber, Saline County, NE.

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