Woodrow Jackson Baxter

Second Lieutenant, U. S. Army

Silver Star

The Silver: Star is awarded for gallantry in action. The citation received with the award, signed by Major General John E. Dahlquist, follows.

"Woodrow J. Baxter, Second Lieutenant, 142nd Infantry Regiment, for gallantry in action on 23 March, 1945 in Germany. Lieutenant Baxter was leading his company's assault platoon in a night attack on an enemy-held town when one of the supporting tanks moved out in front of the advancing troops. The tank crew, believing the element on the left flank to be German, began firing on this friendly unit. Although the tank was the target, for enemy self-propelled gun fire, Lt. Baxter dashed to the moving tank and leaped upon it. Exposing himself to heavy small arms fire as well as the self-propelled gun fire, he climbed to the turret and, after attracting the crew's attention, stopped the tank from firing into the friendly troops. His courageous action undoubtedly saved many lives and enabled the company to continue its advance. Entered the Service from Coleman, Texas."

Awarded the Purple Heart with one OLC.