Here is the write up done why he received the Silver Star and Purple Heart at the ripe old age of 19.

When his company was halted by intense enemy machine gun fire after having advanced a considerable distance into the Siegfried Line. My father directed the fire of a tank destroyer on an enemy pillbox. Although this action somewhat lessened the superiority of enemy fire power, it was still impossible for friendly troops to advance. My father then led three other men toward an enemy machine gun positioned which he had observed. Although the other three men were killed before they could reach the position, he continued alone in the face of intense enemy fire and succeeded in destroying the emplacement, enabling his company to resume its advance.

A prime example of the inner strength most people never get the opportunity to realize they have.