Chaplain (Captain) Elmer W. Heindl: For extraordinary heroism in action at Manila, Philippines Islands on 6, 8, and 11 February 1945, by command of General of the Army MacArthur.

During the assault on Pilibid Prision in Manila, on 6 February, Chaplain Heindl learned that a soldier lay critically wounded on the top floor of a two story watch tower under enemy fire. Accompanied by a medical aid-man he entered the tower and climbed to the wounded soldier, who was bleeding profusely and obviously had but a few moments to live. Fully aware that enemy machine guns were trained on the tower, Chaplain Heindl calmly knelt and offered prayers for the dying man. He then carried the body down the ladder and away from the tower. Entering the tower once more, he carried out a second man who lay wounded on the first floor, and under enemy fire helped to carry him to an aid-station. On 8 February, when his unit was under enemy mortar and rocket fire, Chaplain Heindl observed an officer who was seriously wounded. Without hesitation he left his foxhole, crawled to the officer and dragged him to an aid station. On 11 February when nine men were killed and others wounded during an engagement, he dragged the wounded under fire to comparative safety and administered last rites for the dying. Through his extra ordinary heroism and firm faith in the face of all danger, Chaplain Heindl proved himself worthy of the highest tradition of his Church and his military service.

Rev. Heindl joined the Legion of Valor in 1964 and resides in New York. Rev. Heindl completed fifty years of service on 6 June 1986, as an ordained priest in the Roman Catholic Church. Father Heindl also wears the Silver Star, the Bronze star Medal with “V” device and the Republic of the Philippines. The Legion of Valor takes great pride in recognizing Father Heindl on this occasion and congratulates him on his outstanding service to his country and as a priest.