Medal of Honor recipients (February 1944)

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PFC Richard Beatty Anderson, 22, USMC (1921–1944)

Company E, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division
Roi, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands
February 1, 1944
Presented August 18, 1944
Posthumous

anderson

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to PFC Richard Beatty Anderson (MCSN: 418495), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Roi Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, February 1, 1944.

Entering a shell crater occupied by three other Marines, PFC Anderson was preparing to throw a grenade at an enemy position when it slipped from his hands and rolled toward the men at the bottom of the hole. With insufficient time to retrieve the armed weapon and throw it, PFC Anderson fearlessly chose to sacrifice himself and save his companions by hurling his body upon the grenade and taking the full impact of the explosion. His personal valor and exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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PFC Alton Warren Knappenberger, 20, USA (1923–2008)

Company C, 15th Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy
February 1, 1944
Presented August 24, 1944

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to PFC Alton W. Knappenberger, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action involving actual conflict with the enemy, on February 1, 1944 near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, while serving with Company C, 15th Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

When a heavy German counterattack was launched against his battalion, PFC Knappenberger crawled to an exposed knoll and went into position with his automatic rifle. An enemy machinegun 85 yards away opened fire, and bullets struck within six inches of him. Rising to a kneeling position, PFC Knappenberger opened fire on the hostile crew, knocked out the gun, killed two members of the crew, and wounded the third. While he fired at this hostile position, two Germans crawled to a point within 20 yards of the knoll and threw potato-masher grenades at him, but PFC Knappenberger killed them both with one burst from his automatic rifle. Later, a second machinegun opened fire upon his exposed position from a distance of 100 yards, and this weapon also was silenced by his well-aimed shots. Shortly thereafter, an enemy 20-mm anti-aircraft gun directed fire at him, and again PFC Knappenberger returned fire to wound one member of the hostile crew. Under tank and artillery shellfire, with shells bursting within 15 yards of him, he held his precarious position and fired at all enemy infantrymen armed with machine pistols and machine guns which he could locate. When his ammunition supply became exhausted, he crawled 15 yards forward through steady machinegun fire, removed rifle clips from the belt of a casualty, returned to his position and resumed firing to repel an assaulting German platoon armed with automatic weapons. Finally, his ammunition supply being completely exhausted, he rejoined his company. PFC Knappenberger’s intrepid action disrupted the enemy attack for over two hours.

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1stLt John Vincent “Jack” Power, 25, USMC (1918–1944)

Company K, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division
Namur, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands
February 1, 1944
Presented November 1944
Posthumous

PowerVin

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to 1stLt John Vincent Power, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as platoon leader, attached to the Third Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during the landing and battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, February 1, 1944.

Severely wounded in the stomach while setting a demolition charge on a Japanese pillbox, 1stLt Power was steadfast in his determination to remain in action. Protecting his wound with his left hand and firing with his right, he courageously advanced as another hostile position was taken under attack, fiercely charging the opening made by the explosion and emptying his carbine into the pillbox. While attempting to reload and continue the attack, 1stLt Power was shot again in the stomach and head and collapsed in the doorway. His exceptional valor, fortitude and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of withering enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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LtCol Aquilla James “Jimmie” Dyess, 35, USMCR (1909–1944)

1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division
Namur, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands
February 1-2, 1944
Presented July 18, 1944
Posthumous

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to LtCol Aquilla James Dyess, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines (Reinforced), FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, February 1 and 2, 1944.

Undaunted by severe fire from automatic Japanese weapons, LtCol Dyess launched a powerful final attack on the second day of the assault, unhesitatingly posting himself between the opposing lines to point out objectives and avenues of approach and personally leading the advancing troops. Alert, and determined to quicken the pace of the offensive against increased enemy fire, he was constantly at the head of advance units, inspiring his men to push forward until the Japanese had been driven back to a small center of resistance and victory assured. While standing on the parapet of an antitank trench directing a group of infantry in a flanking attack against the last enemy position, LtCol Dyess was killed by a burst of enemy machinegun fire. His daring and forceful leadership and his valiant fighting spirit in the face of terrific opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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Pvt Richard Keith Sorenson, 19, USMCR (1924–2004)

Company M, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division
Namur, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands
February 1-2, 1944
Presented July 19, 1944

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Pvt Richard Keith Sorenson, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during the battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on February 1 and 2, 1944.

Putting up a brave defense against a particularly violent counterattack by the enemy during invasion operations, Pvt Sorenson and five other Marines occupying a shell hole were endangered by a Japanese grenade thrown into their midst. Unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Pvt Sorenson hurled himself upon the deadly weapon, heroically taking the full impact of the explosion. As a result of his gallant action, he was severely wounded, but the lives of his comrades were saved. His great personal valor and exceptional spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

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PFC Leo J. Powers, 34, USA (1909–1967)

Company L, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division
Hill 175, northwest of Cassino, Italy
February 3, 1944
Presented January 10, 1945

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to PFC Leo J. Powers, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company L, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division.

On February 3, 1944, PFC Powers’ company was assigned the mission of capturing Hill 175, the key enemy strongpoint northwest of Cassino, Italy. The enemy, estimated to be at least 50 in strength, supported by machine guns emplaced in three pillboxes and mortar fire from behind the hill, was able to pin the attackers down and inflict eight casualties. The company was unable to advance, but PFC Powers, a rifleman in one of the assault platoons, on his own initiative and in the face of the terrific fire, crawled forward to assault one of the enemy pillboxes which he had spotted. Armed with two hand grenades and well aware that if the enemy should see him it would mean almost certain death, PFC Powers crawled up the hill to within 15 yards of the enemy pillbox. Then standing upright in full view of the enemy gunners in order to throw his grenade into the small opening in the roof, he tossed a grenade into the pillbox. At this close, the grenade entered the pillbox, killed two of the occupants and three or four more fled the position, probably wounded. This enemy gun silenced, the center of the line was able to move forward again, but almost immediately came under machine-gun fire from a second enemy pillbox on the left flank. PFC Powers, however, had located this pillbox, and crawled toward it with absolutely no cover if the enemy should see him. Raising himself in full view of the enemy gunners about 15 feet from the pillbox, PFC Powers threw his grenade into the pillbox, silencing this gun, killing another German and probably wounding three or four more who fled. PFC Powers, still acting on his own initiative, commenced crawling toward the third enemy pillbox in the face of heavy machine-pistol and machine-gun fire. Skillfully availing himself of the meager cover and concealment, PFC Powers crawled up to within ten yards of this pillbox fully exposed himself to the enemy gunners, stood upright and tossed the two grenades into the small opening in the roof of the pillbox. His grenades killed two of the enemy and four more, all wounded, came out and surrendered to PFC Powers, who was now unarmed. PFC Powers had worked his way over the entire company front, and against tremendous odds had single-handedly broken the backbone of this heavily defended and strategic enemy position, and enabled his regiment to advance into the city of Cassino. PFC Powers’ fighting determination and intrepidity in battle exemplify the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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2LT Paul F. Riordan, 23, USA (1920–1944)

Company L, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division
Cassino, Italy
February 3-8, 1944
Presented September 11, 1944
Posthumous

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to 2LT Paul F. Riordan, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company L, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division.

In the attack on the approaches to the city of Cassino, Italy, on February 3, 1944, 2LT Riordan led one of the assault platoons. Attacking Hill 175, his command was pinned down by enemy machine-gun fire from the hill and from a pillbox about 45 yards to the right of the hill. In the face of intense fire, 2LT Riordan moved out in full view of the enemy gunners to reach a position from where he could throw a hand grenade into the pillbox. Then, getting to his knees, he hurled the grenade approximately 45 yards, scoring a direct hit. The grenade killed one and wounded the other two Germans in the nest and silenced the gun. Another soldier then cleaned out the enemy pillboxes on the hill itself, and the company took its objective. Continuing the assault into Cassino itself on February 8, 1944, 2LT Riordan and his platoon were given the mission of taking the city jailhouse, one of the enemy’s several strongpoints. Again 2LT Riordan took the lead and managed to get through the ring of enemy fire covering the approaches and reached the building. His platoon, however, could not get through the intense fire and was cut off. 2LT Riordan, aware that his men were unable to follow, determined to carry on single-handed, but the numerically-superior enemy force was too much for him to overcome, and he was killed by enemy small-arms fire after disposing of at least two of the defenders. 2LT Riordan’s bravery and extraordinary heroism in the face of almost certain death were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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CPL Paul Bert Huff, 25, USA (1918–1994)

1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Company A, 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion, 5th Army
Near Carano, Italy
February 8, 1944
Presented June 8, 1944

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to CPL Paul Bert Huff, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, in action on February 8, 1944, while serving with Company A, 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion, 5th Army, in action near Carano, Italy.

CPL Huff volunteered to lead a six-man patrol with the mission of determining the location and strength of an enemy unit which was delivering fire on the exposed right flank of his company. The terrain over which he had to travel consisted of exposed, rolling ground, affording the enemy excellent visibility. As the patrol advanced, its members were subjected to small-arms and machine-gun fire and a concentration of mortar fire, shells bursting within five to ten yards of them and bullets striking the ground at their feet. Moving ahead of his patrol, CPL Huff drew fire from three enemy machine guns and a 20mm weapon. Realizing the danger confronting his patrol, he advanced alone under deadly fire through a minefield and arrived at a point within 75 yards of the nearest machine-gun position. Under direct fire from the rear machine gun, he crawled the remaining 75 yards to the closest emplacement, killed the crew with his submachine gun and destroyed the gun. During this act he fired from a kneeling position which drew fire from other positions, enabling him to estimate correctly the strength and location of the enemy. Still under concentrated fire, he returned to his patrol and led his men to safety. As a result of the information he gained, a patrol in strength sent out that afternoon, one group under the leadership of CPL Huff, succeeded in routing an enemy company of 125 men, killing 27 Germans and capturing 21 others, with a loss of only three patrol members. CPL Huff’s intrepid leadership and daring combat skill reflect the finest traditions of the American infantryman.

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LTJG Nathan Green Gordon, 27, USN (1916–2008)

VPB-34 “Black Cats”
Kavieng Harbor, Bismarck Sea
February 15, 1944
Presented July 13, 1944

Gordon

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to LT [then LTJG] Nathan Green Gordon, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty as commander of a Catalina patrol plane serving with Patrol Squadron Thirty-Four (VPB-34), in rescuing personnel of the U.S. Army Fifth Air Force shot down in combat over Kavieng Harbor in the Bismarck Sea, February 15, 1944.

On air alert in the vicinity of Vitu Islands, LT Gordon unhesitatingly responded to a report of the crash and flew boldly into the harbor, defying close-range fire from enemy shore guns to make three separate landings in full view of the Japanese and pick up nine men, several of them injured. With his cumbersome flying boat dangerously overloaded, he made a brilliant takeoff despite heavy swells and almost total absence of wind and set a course for base, only to receive the report of another group stranded in a rubber life raft 600 yards from the enemy shore. Promptly turning back, he again risked his life to set his plane down under direct fire of the heaviest defenses of Kavieng and take aboard six more survivors, coolly making his fourth dexterous takeoff with 15 rescued officers and men. By his exceptional daring, personal valor, and incomparable airmanship under most perilous conditions, LT Gordon prevented certain death or capture of our airmen by the Japanese.

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PFC William James Johnston Sr., 25, USA (1918–1990)

Company G, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division
Near Padiglione, Italy
February 17-19, 1944
Presented September 6, 1944

Johnston

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to PFC William James Johnston Sr., United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on February 17-19, 1944, while serving with Company G, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division.

On February 17, 1944, near Padiglione, Italy, he observed and fired upon an attacking force of approximately 80 Germans, causing at least 25 casualties and forcing withdrawal of the remainder. All that day he manned his gun without relief, subject to mortar, artillery, and sniper fire. Two Germans individually worked so close to his position that his machine gun was ineffective, whereupon he killed one with his pistol, the second with a rifle taken from another soldier. When a rifleman protecting his gun position was killed by a sniper, he immediately moved the body and relocated the machine gun in that spot in order to obtain a better field of fire. He volunteered to cover the platoon’s withdrawal and was the last man to leave that night. In his new position he maintained an all-night vigil, the next day causing seven German casualties. On the afternoon of the 18th, the organization on the left flank having been forced to withdraw, he again covered the withdrawal of his own organization. Shortly thereafter, he was seriously wounded over the heart, and a passing soldier saw him trying to crawl up the embankment. The soldier aided him in resuming his position behind the machine gun which was soon heard in action for about 10 minutes. Though reported killed, PFC Johnston was seen returning to the American lines on the morning of February 19 slowly and painfully working his way back from his overrun position through enemy lines. He gave valuable information of new enemy dispositions. His heroic determination to destroy the enemy and his disregard of his own safety aided immeasurably in halting a strong enemy attack, caused an enormous amount of enemy casualties, and so inspired his fellow soldiers that they fought for and held a vitally important position against greatly superior forces.

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Cpl Anthony Peter Damato, 21, USMC (1922–1944)

2nd Battalion, 22nd Marine Regiment, V Amphibious Corps
Engebi, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands
February 19-20, 1944
Presented April 9, 1945
Posthumous

Damato

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to Cpl Anthony Peter Damato, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with an assault company of the Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), V Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, on the night of February 19-20, 1944.

Highly vulnerable to sudden attack by small, fanatical groups of Japanese still at large despite the efficient and determined efforts of our forces to clear the area, Cpl Damato lay with two comrades in a large foxhole in his company’s defense perimeter which had been dangerously thinned by the forced withdrawal of nearly half of the available men. When one of the enemy approached the foxhole undetected and threw in a hand grenade, Cpl Damato desperately groped for it in the darkness. Realizing the imminent peril to all three and fully aware of the consequences of his act, he unhesitatingly flung himself on the grenade and, although instantly killed as his body absorbed the explosion, saved the lives of his two companions. Cpl Damato’s splendid initiative, fearless conduct and valiant sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.

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1LT William Robert Lawley Jr., 23, USAAF (1920–1999)

364 BS, 305 BG (H), 40 CBW, 1 BD, 8th Air Force
Over Leipzig, Germany
February 20, 1944
Presented August 8, 1944

lawley

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to 1LT (Air Corps) William Robert Lawley Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty, February 20, 1944, while serving as pilot of a B-17 aircraft in the 364th Bombardment Squadron, 305th Bombardment Group (H), Eighth Air Force, on a heavy bombardment mission over enemy-occupied continental Europe.

Coming off the target he was attacked by approximately 20 enemy fighters, shot out of formation, and his plane severely crippled. Eight crewmembers were wounded, the copilot was killed by a 20mm shell. One engine was on fire, the controls shot away, and 1LT Lawley seriously and painfully wounded about the face. Forcing the copilot’s body off the controls, he brought the plane out of a steep dive, flying with his left hand only. Blood covered the instruments and windshield and visibility was impossible. With a full bomb load the plane was difficult to maneuver and bombs could not be released because the racks were frozen. After the order to bail out had been given, one of the waist gunners informed the pilot that two crewmembers were so severely wounded that it would be impossible for them to bail out. With the fire in the engine spreading, the danger of an explosion was imminent. Because of the helpless condition of his wounded crew members 1LT Lawley elected to remain with the ship and bring them to safety if it was humanly possible, giving the other crewmembers the option of bailing out. Enemy fighters again attacked but by using masterful evasive action he managed to lose them. One engine again caught on fire and was extinguished by skillful flying. 1LT Lawley remained at his post, refusing first aid until he collapsed from sheer exhaustion caused by loss of blood, shock, and the energy he had expended in keeping control of his plane. He was revived by the bombardier and again took over the controls. Coming over the English coast one engine ran out of gasoline and had to be feathered. Another engine started to burn and continued to do so until a successful crash landing was made on a small fighter base. Through his heroism and exceptional flying skill, 1LT Lawley rendered outstanding distinguished and valorous service to our nation.

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SSG Archibald Mathies, 25, USAAF (1918–1944)

510 BS, 351 BG (H), 94 CBW, 8th Air Force
Over Leipzig, Germany
February 20, 1944
Presented July 3, 1944
Posthumous

Mathies

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to SSG Archibald Mathies (ASN: 13012482), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy in connection with a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe on February 20, 1944, while serving with the 510th Bombardment Squadron, 351st Bombardment Group (H), Eighth Air Force.

The aircraft on which SSG Mathies was serving as engineer and ball turret gunner was attacked by a squadron of enemy fighters with the result that the copilot was killed outright, the pilot wounded and rendered unconscious, the radio operator wounded and the plane severely damaged. Nevertheless, SSG Mathies and other members of the crew managed to right the plane and fly it back to their home station, where they contacted the control tower and reported the situation. SSG Mathies and the navigator volunteered to attempt to land the plane. Other members of the crew were ordered to jump, leaving SSG Mathies and the navigator aboard. After observing the distressed aircraft from another plane, SSG Mathies’ commanding officer decided the damaged plane could not be landed by the inexperienced crew and ordered them to abandon it and parachute to safety. Demonstrating unsurpassed courage and heroism, SSG Mathies and the navigator replied that the pilot was still alive but could not be moved and they would not desert him. They were then told to attempt a landing. After two unsuccessful efforts, the plane crashed into an open field in a third attempt to land. SSG Mathies, the navigator, and the wounded pilot were killed.

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2LT Walter Edward Truemper, 25, USAAF (1918–1944)

510 BS, 351 BG (H), 8th Air Force
Over Leipzig, Germany
February 20, 1944
Presented July 4, 1944
Posthumous

truemper

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to 2LT (Air Corps) Walter Edward Truemper, United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 510th Bombardment Squadron, 351st Bombardment Group (H), Eighth Air Force, in action against the enemy in connection with a bombing mission to Leipzig, Germany, over enemy-occupied Europe on February 20, 1944.

The aircraft on which 2LT Truemper was serving as navigator was attacked by a squadron of enemy fighters with the result that the copilot was killed outright, the pilot wounded and rendered unconscious, the radio operator wounded and the plane severely damaged. Nevertheless, 2LT Truemper and other members of the crew managed to right the plane and fly it back to their home station, where they contacted the control tower and reported the situation. 2LT Truemper and the engineer volunteered to attempt to land the plane. Other members of the crew were ordered to jump, leaving 2LT Truemper and the engineer aboard. After observing the distressed aircraft from another plane, 2LT Truemper’s commanding officer decided the damaged plane could not be landed by the inexperienced crew and ordered them to abandon it and parachute to safety. Demonstrating unsurpassed courage and heroism, 2LT Truemper and the engineer replied that the pilot was still alive but could not be moved and that they would not desert him. They were then told to attempt a landing. After two unsuccessful efforts their plane crashed into an open field in a third attempt to land. 2LT Truemper, the engineer, and the wounded pilot were killed.

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1LT Jack Cleveland Montgomery, 26, USA (1917–2002)

Company I, 3rd Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division
Near Padiglione, Italy
February 22, 1944
Presented January 10, 1945

Montgomery

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to 1LT (Inf) Jack Cleveland Montgomery, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on February 22, 1944, while serving with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action near Padiglione, Italy.

Two hours before daybreak a strong force of enemy infantry established themselves in three echelons at 50 yards, 100 yards, and 300 yards, respectively, in front of the rifle platoons commanded by 1LT Montgomery. The closest position, consisting of four machineguns and one mortar, threatened the immediate security of the platoon position. Seizing an M-1 rifle and several hand grenades, 1LT Montgomery crawled up a ditch to within hand grenade range of the enemy. Then climbing boldly onto a little mound, he fired his rifle and threw his grenades so accurately that he killed eight of the enemy and captured the remaining four. Returning to his platoon, he called for artillery fire on a house, in and around which he suspected that the majority of the enemy had entrenched themselves. Arming himself with a carbine, he proceeded along the shallow ditch, as withering fire from the riflemen and machine-gunners in the second position was concentrated on him. He attacked this position with such fury that seven of the enemy surrendered to him, and both machine guns were silenced. Three German dead were found in the vicinity later that morning. 1LT Montgomery continued boldly toward the house, 300 yards from his platoon position. It was now daylight, and the enemy observation was excellent across the flat open terrain which led to 1LT Montgomery’s objective. When the artillery barrage had lifted, 1LT Montgomery ran fearlessly toward the strongly defended position. As the enemy started streaming out of the house, 1LT Montgomery, unafraid of treacherous snipers, exposed himself daringly to assemble the surrendering enemy and send them to the rear. His fearless, aggressive, and intrepid actions that morning, accounted for a total of 11 enemy dead, 32 prisoners, and an unknown number of wounded. That night, while aiding an adjacent unit to repulse a counterattack, he was struck by mortar fragments and seriously wounded. The selflessness and courage exhibited by 1LT Montgomery in alone attacking three strong enemy positions inspired his men to a degree beyond estimation.