| Raymond Zussman | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 23, 1917 Hamtramck, Michigan |
| Died | September 21, 1944 (aged 27) France |
| Place of burial | Machpelah Cemetery, Ferndale, Michigan |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1941 - 1944 |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | 756th Tank Battalion |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Raymond Zussman (July 23, 1917 – September 21, 1944) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.
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He was born July 23, 1917 in Hamtramck, Michigan and he joined the Army from Detroit, Michigan in September 1941.[1] By September 12, 1944 he was serving as a second lieutenant, commanding tanks of the 756th Tank Battalion. On that day, during a battle in the city of Noroy-le-Bourg, France, Zussman repeatedly went forward alone to scout enemy positions and exposed himself to enemy fire while directing his tank's action. He survived the battle but was killed nine days later. On May 24, 1945, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Noroy-le-Bourg.
Zussman died September 21, 1944 at age 27 and was buried in Machpelah Cemetery, Ferndale, Michigan.[2]
Second Lieutenant Zussman's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
On 12 September 1944, 2d Lt. Zussman was in command of 2 tanks operating with an infantry company in the attack on enemy forces occupying the town of Noroy le Bourg, France. At 7 p.m., his command tank bogged down. Throughout the ensuing action, armed only with a carbine, he reconnoitered alone on foot far in advance of his remaining tank and the infantry. Returning only from time to time to designate targets, he directed the action of the tank and turned over to the infantry the numerous German soldiers he had caused to surrender. He located a road block and directed his tanks to destroy it. Fully exposed to fire from enemy positions only 50 yards distant, he stood by his tank directing its fire. Three Germans were killed and 8 surrendered. Again he walked before his tank, leading it against an enemy-held group of houses, machinegun and small arms fire kicking up dust at his feet. The tank fire broke the resistance and 20 enemy surrendered. Going forward again alone he passed an enemy-occupied house from which Germans fired on him and threw grenades in his path. After a brief fire fight, he signaled his tank to come up and fire on the house. Eleven German soldiers were killed and 15 surrendered. Going on alone, he disappeared around a street corner. The fire of his carbine could be heard and in a few minutes he reappeared driving 30 prisoners before him. Under 2d Lt. Zussman's heroic and inspiring leadership, 18 enemy soldiers were killed and 92 captured.[3]