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T/Sgt Emmett C. De Laney graduated from Rosholt High School, South Dakota and was employed in the Shevlin-Hixon Company box factory before he enlisted in January 1943.

South of Halberstadt, the column was attacked en when one of the vehicles was hit by a Panzerschreck, the whole column was raked with machine gun fire. T/Sgt De Laney was hit by sniper fire. Bbleeding profusely, he struggled out of his destroyed vehicle. He ordered three men near him to take cover while he remained exposed to enemy fire. Many of the column's drivers had been killed, blocking any attempt by survivors to move forward or back.

Staying where they were meant certain death. De Laney ordered his men to scramble to the last vehicle in the column and see if they could start ot. He would stay and shoot at any Germans who tried to chase them down. The truck motor roared to life and De Laney staggered back, the men pulling him in before speeding to safety.

Sgt De Lany lay in a field hospital for five days before dying of his wounds. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for this action. The complete citation cited: For gallantry in action on 14 April 1945, in Germany. Sgt De Laney was leading a supply train through rear areas toward the front lines when his train was ambushed by enemy soldiers who were using bazooka and small arms fire. Although mortally wounded, he dismounted and ordered his men to take cover while he searched for a man that was missing, but his wounds were so serious that he was unalbe to continue the search. During a lull in the firing, he ordered his men to run to the last vehicle and get it started and told them that he would then join them. It was not until after he had directed their escape that the men knew he was mortally wounded. By his gallantry and courageous action the lives of three of his men were saved. Sgt De Laney's concern for the welfare of his men and gallantry reflect the highest credit upon himself and exemplify the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.

On one picture, he poses with his sisters Violet en Ardelle.