Gilbert Van Every
Private First Class, U.S. Army

On 20 December 1944, Private First Class Gilbert Van Every was serving with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Third U.S. Army.

On that day, PFC Every’s Company D was in action against German forces during the Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne, Belgium, and PFC Every’s platoon was pinned down by the enemy. Moving his light machine-gun to a position in front of his platoon, PFC Every delivered a deadly stream of fire that disrupted the German attack and enabled his companions to establish firing positions. Against repeated counterattacks and the need for concentrated fire, PFC Every held his exposed position and with skillful, focused fire inflicted tremendous losses upon the German troops. PFC Every’s determined, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day 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
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal (Germany)
Presidential Unit Citation with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge with 2 Combat Jump Stars

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

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 Private First Class Gilbert Van Every (ASN: 39831209), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 20 December 1944. On that date, during fierce action near Bastogne, Belgium, Private First Class Van Every's platoon of the 506th Parachute Infantry was pinned down by strong enemy forces. Courageously moving his light machine-gun to a position in front of his platoon, Private First Class Van Every delivered a deadly stream of fire which disorganized the enemy attack and permitted his companions to establish firing positions. Then, against repeated counterattacks and although the focus for concentrated fire, he held his exposed position and with skillful, deadly fire inflicted tremendous losses upon the enemy. The fearless determination Private First Class Van Every displayed and his courageous, heroic devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.

General Orders: Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 101 (May 12, 1945)

Death and Burial

Private First Class Gilbert Van Every died on 2 July 1987. He is buried at Riverside Thomas Cemetery in Blackfoot, Bingham County, ID.

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=40743155