James A. VanHooser
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 16 March 1945, then-Staff Sergeant James A. VanHooser was serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 101st Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army.

On that day, SSG VanHooser’s unit was in action against German forces. During action near Brutdorf, Germany, SSG VanHooser's C Company was subjected to a German air attack. When one of his comrades was stunned by an exploding bomb and lay exposed to strafing fire, SSG VanHooser, ignoring his own safety, ran to the man and covered him with his own body. SSG VanHooser was hit and later died from his wounds, but his sacrifice lives on as an inspiration to the men with whom he served. SSG VanHooser’s selfless, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, 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 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

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 Staff Sergeant James A. VanHooser (ASN: 34526848), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 101st Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 16 March 1945. During action near Brutdorf, Germany, Sergeant VanHooser's company was subjected to an enemy air attack. When one of his comrades was stunned by an exploding bomb and lay exposed to strafing fire, Sergeant VanHooser, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran to the man and covered him with his own body. He was hit and later died from his wounds, but his unselfish heroism lives on as an inspiration to the men with whom he served. Staff Sergeant VanHooser'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, the 26th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 129 (June 3, 1945)