[5] Heindl retrieved the body of an American casualty from a prison watchtower while under fire and then returned to rescue a wounded soldier with the aid of Private First Class Elmer Russell, who also received the Distinguished Service Cross.

The two men gave aid to the dying soldier while continually under fire every time Russell used a flashlight to assess the injuries.

[6] Two days later, on April 17, Heindl rescued American colonel Lawrence Kermit White, bringing him to an aid station while under fire.

[5] Of these actions he stated: I went down there to do my duty as [a] chaplain, and that's what saved me, [the distinguished service cross] doesn't add one bit to my stature.

[4] On September 8, 2012, the Armed Forces Reserve Center at Fort Benning, Georgia was memorialized in honor of Chaplain Heindl.