he started working in coal mines at age 18, but he soon joined the united states army. by october 30, 1944, he was serving as a private in company g, 30th infantry regiment, 3rd infantry division. on that day, near saint-jacques, france, ross manned a machine gun through repeated german assaults, holding off the enemy even after his supporting riflemen had run out of ammunition. during the incident, ross noticed what he thought was the body of a deceased german soldier. this individual was in fact alive, and an american lieutenant, who was watching ross the entire time. this lieutenant later reported ross' acts of valor and recommended him for the medal of honor which was issued six months later, on april 14, 1945.