Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1946-01-22
Decorated

1t. Col. Gustave Nj. Heis III of
Alexandria, former provost marshal
and headquarters commandant of
the Eastern Defense Command, has
been awarded the Silver Star Medal
for gallantry in action, the War De-
partment announced.
Col. Heiss, one-time Olympic
fencer, whose home is at 304 Prince
street, Alexandria, was cited for
service with the 346th Infantry
Regiment at Bras Haul, Belgium,
during the Battle of the Bulge
January 2, l945. Despite wounds re-
ceived while leading reconnais-
sance patrol, the citation said, he
captured several German officers
and men from whom he obtained
valuable information regarding en-
envy installations, then reported
back to his commanding officer.
Col Heiss now is attached to the
military personnel division of the
Adjutant Generals Office.
Col. Lincoln d. Chambers, 5425
Connecticut avenue NV, was
among four Washington area engi-
neer officers decorated with the Le-
gion of Merit at a recent ceremony
in the ONCE of the Chief OF Engi-
neers, the Army announced.
Col. Chambers decoration came in
recognition Of services of marked
distinction and value" as head of
the Army Map Service from October,
1943, to last November Despite the
magnitude of the task, the infinity
Of detail, rapidly changing tactical
situations and delays in shipping,
his maps never failed to reach COM
bat troops on or before scheduled
delivery date" the citation said.
1t Col. Jack d. Mage, Brook drive
Lee Boulevard Heights, Falls
Church, received the Legion Of
Merit for performing notably out
standing service" while serving as
executive officer, military supply
Office of the Chief of Engineers,
from June, 1914, to October, 1945.
1t. Col. William ]. New, 1921 Ri
pom place, Parkfairfax, Alexandria
was decorated with the Legion of
Merit for Transforming the equip
ment development branch of the
Office of the Chief of Engineers from
a small peacetime organization to
one capable of meeting Var de-
mands for new and improved items
Of equipment. Under his supervision
many new weapons and vehicles
were designed, tested and put into
quantity procurement, the citation
states.
Maj. Ambrose E. McCaskey, 1ls
Beachwood drive, Cantonsville, also
received the Legion of Merit. The
accompanying citation said he
displayed outstanding technical
ability in the supervision of opera
ton and maintenance of utilities
plants, equipment and systems" as
chief, utilities branch of the Office
of the Sd Service Command En-
gineers, and subsequently as chief
utilities branch, in the Office of the
Chief of Engineers, from October
1912, to last October.
Sergt. George p. Pettinato, 10
1875 Holbrook terrace NE, has
been awarded the Bronze Star
Medal for heroic achievement with
the And Infantry Division last
March 10, near Ludwigswinkle, Ger
many, his family here has learned
In the action for which he was
cited the young infantryman de-
ployed the men of his squadron into
enemy trenches and directed them
in close combat with the enemy after
they had been cut off from the re.
mainder Of their platoon.
Ordering his men to Withdraw
when their. position became unten.
able, the citation states, Sergt. Pet.
tinato directed his squad back to the
safety of friendly lines although hi
was wounded himself. His courage
in the encounter minimized the
casualties suffered by his group in
the encounter, the citation read.