Wilbur C. Pyle
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 14 November 1944, then-Private First Class Wilbur C. Pyle was serving with Company C, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army.

On that day, PFC Pyle’s Company C was in action against German forces near Pevange, France. Company C was advancing against the enemy when a series of defensive enemy foxholes were encountered and, unhesitatingly, PFC Pyle advanced on them. As PFC Pyle started forward his helmet was knocked off by an enemy bullet but he moved on without it, ignoring the heavy frontal and flanking fire laid down by the Germans. PFC Pyle captured 3 Germans in the first foxhole and sent them to the rear. PFC Pyle advanced upon a 2nd and 3rd foxhole, throwing grenades, and captured 2 more prisoners. Still advancing, PFC Pyle threw grenades into a 4th foxhole, killing one of the entrenched Germans and capturing another. PFC Pyle’s courageous actions, determination to engage the enemy and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

On 8 January 1945, now-Staff Sergeant Pyle was Killed in Action while his unit was preparing to take Villers-laBonne-Eau, Belgium, a small town next to Bastogne, during the Battle of the Bulge.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 4 Bronze Stars
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 Private First Class Wilbur C. Pyle (ASN: 18198599), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 14 November 1944, in France. On that date, Private First Class Pyle was advancing with his company against the enemy near Pevange, France. When a series of defensive enemy foxholes were encountered, Private First Class Pyle unhesitatingly advanced upon them. His helmet was knocked off by an enemy bullet as he started forward but he went on without it, ignoring the heavy frontal and flanking fire laid down by the enemy. He captured three of the enemy in the first foxhole and sent them to the rear. He coolly advanced upon a second and third foxhole, throwing grenades, and capturing two more prisoners. Still advancing, he threw grenades into a fourth foxhole, killing one of the entrenched enemy and capturing another. Private First Class Pyle's courageous determination to engage the enemy, and his conspicuous heroism and inspiring devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 39 (February 16, 1945)

Burial

Staff Sergeant Wilbur C. Pyle is buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial in Hamm, Canton de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg in Plot E, Row 12, Grave 32.