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S/Sgt Gus J. Kefurt was a crane man employed by the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. before he enlisted in Akron, Ohio on 12 August 1943.

He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. The citation cited: On 23 and 24 December 1944, while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in action near Bennwihr, France. Early in the attack S/Sgt Kefurt jumped through an opening in a wall to be confronted by about 15 Germans. Although outnumbered he opened fire, killing ten and capturing the others. During a seesaw battle which developed he effectively adjusted artillery fire on an enemy tank close to his position although exposed to small arms fire. When night fell he maintained a three-man outpost in the center of the town in the middle of the German positions and successfully fought off several hostile patrols attempting to penetrate our lines. Assuming command of his platoon the following morning he led it in hand-to-hand fighting through the town until blocked by a tank. Using rifle grenades he forced surrender of its crew and some supporting infantry. He then continued his attack from house to house against heavy machinegun and rifle fire. Advancing against a strongpoint that was holding up the company, his platoon was subjected to a strong counterattack and infiltration to its rear. Suffering heavy casualties in their exposed position the men remained there due to S/Sgt Kefurt's personal example of bravery, determination and leadership. He constantly exposed himself to fire by going from man to man to direct fire. During this time he killed approximately 15 of the enemy at close range. Although severely wounded in the leg he refused first aid and immediately resumed fighting. When the forces to his rear were pushed back three hours later, he refused to be evacuated, but, during several more counterattacks moved painfully about under intense small arms and mortar fire, stiffening the resistance of his platoon by encouraging individual men and by his own fire until he was killed. As a result of S/Sgt Kefurt's gallantry the position was maintained.

Also he was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 December 1944 in France. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.