Hobby Halbert McCall

Captain, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 90th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 42 (August 20, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Hobby H. McCall (ASN: 0-422737), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, on 26 July 1944, near *****, France.
On that date, a company in Captain McCall's battalion suffered exceptionally heavy casualties when crossing the ****** River. All of the officers of the company with the exception of a second lieutenant became casualties. Captain McCall, S-3 of the battalion, was sent forward to assume command of the company, reorganize it and continue the attack. Without regard for his own safety and while still under heavy enemy artillery, mortar fire and fire from tanks, he joined the company and went about, personally exposing himself to fire, regrouping the men and encouraging them in the attack.
After reorganizing the unit he placed himself at the head of the company and led it in an assault which finally gained the objective although nearly 50% of the effective strength of the company had become casualties in the effort. Captain McCall was wounded in the action and later evacuated but not until the company had reached its objective. This gallant action was a fine example of outstanding courage and devotion to duty and was a fine example of the best traditions of the military spirit.