Medal of Honor recipients (June 1944)

1

TSGT Yeiki Kobashigawa, 26, USA (1917–2005)

Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) – attached to the 34th Infantry Division
Lanuvio, Italy
June 2, 1944
Presented June 21, 2000

Kobashigawa

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to TSGT Yeiki Kobashigawa (ASN: 30101851), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on June 2, 1944, in the vicinity of Lanuvio, Italy.

During an attack, TSGT Kobashigawa’s platoon encountered strong enemy resistance from a series of machine guns providing supporting fire. Observing a machine-gun nest 50 yards from his position, TSGT Kobashigawa crawled forward with one of his men, threw a grenade and then charged the enemy with his submachine gun while a fellow soldier provided covering fire. He killed one enemy soldier and captured two prisoners. Meanwhile, TSGT Kobashigawa and his comrade were fired upon by another machine gun 50 yards ahead. Directing a squad to advance to his first position, TSGT Kobashigawa again moved forward with a fellow soldier to subdue the second machine-gun nest. After throwing grenades into the position, TSGT Kobashigawa provided close supporting fire while a fellow soldier charged, capturing four prisoners. On the alert for other machine-gun nests, TSGT Kobashigawa discovered four more, and skillfully led a squad in neutralizing two of them. TSGT Kobashigawa’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

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PVT Shinyei Nakamine, 24, USA (1920–1944)

Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) – attached to the 34th Infantry Division
Near La Torreto, Italy
June 2, 1944
Presented June 21, 2000
Posthumous

nakamine

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to PVT Shinyei Nakamine (ASN: 30101852), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on June 2, 1944, near La Torreto, Italy.

During an attack, PVT Nakamine’s platoon became pinned down by intense machine-gun crossfire from a small knoll 200 yards to the front. On his own initiative, PVT Nakamine crawled toward one of the hostile weapons. Reaching a point 25 yards from the enemy, he charged the machine-gun nest, firing his submachine gun, and killed three enemy soldiers and captured two. Later that afternoon, PVT Nakamine discovered an enemy soldier on the right flank of his platoon’s position. Crawling 25 yards from his position, PVT Nakamine opened fire and killed the soldier. Then, seeing a machine gun nest to his front approximately 75 yards away, he returned to his platoon and led an automatic rifle team toward the enemy. Under covering fire from his team, PVT Nakamine crawled to a point 25 yards from the nest and threw hand grenades at the enemy soldiers, wounding one and capturing four. Spotting another machine-gun nest 100 yards to his right flank, he led the automatic rifle team toward the hostile position but was killed by a burst of machine-gun fire. PVT Nakamine’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

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PVT Herbert F. Christian, 31, USA (1912–1944)

Company E, 2nd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Valmontone, Italy
June 2-3, 1944
Presented June 18, 1945
Posthumous

christian

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to PVT Herbert F. Christian (ASN: 35592775), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in action at Valmontone, Italy.

On June 2-3, 1944, at 1:00 a.m., PVT Christian elected to sacrifice his life in order that his comrades might extricate themselves from an ambush. Braving massed fire of about 60 riflemen, three machine guns, and three tanks from positions only 30 yards distant, he stood erect and signaled to the patrol to withdraw. The whole area was brightly illuminated by enemy flares. Although his right leg was severed above the knee by cannon fire, PVT Christian advanced on his left knee and the bloody stump of his right thigh, firing his submachine gun. Despite excruciating pain, PVT Christian continued on his self-assigned mission. He succeeded in distracting the enemy and enabled his twelve comrades to escape. He killed three enemy soldiers almost at once. Leaving a trail of blood behind him, he made his way forward 20 yards, halted at a point within ten yards of the enemy, and despite intense fire killed a machine-pistol man. Reloading his weapon, he fired directly into the enemy position. The enemy appeared enraged at the success of his ruse, concentrated 20mm machine gun, machine-pistol and rifle fire on him, yet he refused to seek cover. Maintaining his erect position, PVT Christian fired his weapon to the very last. Just as he emptied his submachine gun, the enemy bullets found their mark and PVT Christian slumped forward dead. The courage and spirit of self-sacrifice displayed by this soldier were an inspiration to his comrades and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

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PVT Elden Harvey Johnson, 23, USA (1921–1944)

Company H, 2nd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Valmontone, Italy
June 3, 1944
Presented May 16, 1945
Posthumous

johnsonEH

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to PVT Elden Harvey Johnson (ASN: 31353962), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on June 3, 1944, while serving with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in action at Valmontone, Italy.

PVT Johnson elected to sacrifice his life in order that his comrades might extricate themselves from an ambush. Braving the massed fire of about 60 riflemen, three machineguns, and three tanks from positions only 25 yards distant, he stood erect and signaled his patrol leader to withdraw. The whole area was brightly illuminated by enemy flares. Then, despite 20mm machine guns, machine pistol, and rifle fire directed at him, PVT Johnson advanced beyond the enemy in a slow deliberate walk. Firing his automatic rifle from the hip, he succeeded in distracting the enemy and enabled his 12 comrades to escape. Advancing to within five yards of a machine gun, emptying his weapon, PVT Johnson killed its crew. Standing in full view of the enemy he reloaded and turned on the riflemen to the left, firing directly into their positions. He either killed or wounded four of them. A burst of machine-gun fire tore into PVT Johnson and he dropped to his knees. Fighting to the very last, he steadied himself on his knees and sent a final burst of fire crashing into another German. With that he slumped forward dead. PVT Johnson had willingly given his life in order that his comrades might live. These acts on the part of PVT Johnson were an inspiration to the entire command and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

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Salute to these brave men :saluting_face::us:

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LT Albert Leroy David, 41, USN (1902–1945)

USS Pillsbury (DE-133)
Off French West Africa
June 4, 1944
Presented October 5, 1945
Posthumous

davidA

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to LT [then LTJG] Albert Leroy David, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the USS PILLSBURY (DE-133) during the capture of an enemy German submarine off French West Africa, June 4, 1944.

Taking a vigorous part in the skillfully coordinated attack on the German U-505 which climaxed a prolonged search by the Task Group, LT David boldly led a party from the PILLSBURY in boarding the hostile submarine as it circled erratically at five or six knots on the surface. Fully aware that the U-boat might momentarily sink or be blown up by exploding demolition and scuttling charges, he braved the added danger of enemy gunfire to plunge through the conning tower hatch and, with his small party, exerted every effort to keep the ship afloat and to assist the succeeding and more fully equipped salvage parties in making the U-505 seaworthy for the long tow across the Atlantic to a U.S. port. By his valiant service during the first successful boarding and capture of an enemy man-o-war on the high seas by the U.S. Navy since 1815, LT David contributed materially to the effectiveness of our Battle of the Atlantic and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

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LTC Leon Robert Vance Jr., 27, USAAF (1916–1944)

489 BG (H), 8th Air Force
Near Wimereux, France
June 5, 1944
Presented October 11, 1946
Posthumous

vance

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to LTC (Air Corps) Leon Robert Vance Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on June 5, 1944, when he led the 489th Bombardment Group (H), Eighth Air Force, in an attack against defended enemy coastal positions in the vicinity of Wimereux, France.

Approaching the target, his aircraft was hit repeatedly by anti-aircraft fire which seriously crippled the ship, killed the pilot, and wounded several members of the crew, including LTC Vance, whose right foot was practically severed. In spite of his injury, and with three engines lost to the flak, he led his formation over the target, bombing it successfully. After applying a tourniquet to his leg with the aid of the radar operator, LTC Vance, realizing that the ship was approaching a stall altitude with the one remaining engine failing, struggled to a semi-upright position beside the co-pilot and took over control of the ship. Cutting the power and feathering the last engine he put the aircraft in glide sufficiently steep to maintain his airspeed. Gradually losing altitude, he at last reached the English coast, whereupon he ordered all members of the crew to bail out as he knew they would all safely make land. But he received a message over the interphone system which led him to believe one of the crewmembers was unable to jump due to injuries; so, he made the decision to ditch the ship in the Channel, thereby giving this man a chance for life. To add further to the danger of ditching the ship in his crippled condition, there was a 500-pound bomb hung up in the bomb bay. Unable to climb into the seat vacated by the co-pilot, since his foot, hanging on to his leg by a few tendons, had become lodged behind the co-pilot’s seat, he nevertheless made a successful ditching while lying on the floor using only aileron and elevators for control and the side window of the cockpit for visual reference. On coming to rest in the water the aircraft commenced to sink rapidly with LTC Vance pinned in the cockpit by the upper turret which had crashed in during the landing. As it was settling beneath the waves, an explosion occurred which threw LTC Vance clear of the wreckage. After clinging to a piece of floating wreckage until he could muster enough strength to inflate his life vest, he began searching for the crewmember whom he believed to be aboard. Failing to find anyone, he began swimming and was found approximately 50 minutes later by an Air-Sea Rescue craft. By his extraordinary flying skill and gallant leadership, despite his grave injury, LTC Vance led his formation to a successful bombing of the assigned target and returned the crew to a point where they could bail out with safety. His gallant and valorous decision to ditch the aircraft in order to give the crewmember he believed to be aboard a chance for life exemplifies the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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PVT Carlton William Barrett, 24, USA (1919–1986)

18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division
Omaha Beach, near Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, France
June 6, 1944
Presented November 17, 1944

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to PVT Carlton William Barrett, United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on June 6, 1944, while serving with the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France.

On the morning of D-Day, PVT Barrett, landing in the face of extremely heavy enemy fire, was forced to wade ashore through neck-deep water. Disregarding the personal danger, he returned to the surf again and again to assist his floundering comrades and save them from drowning. Refusing to remain pinned down by the intense barrage of small-arms and mortar fire poured at the landing points, PVT Barrett, working with fierce determination, saved many lives by carrying casualties to an evacuation boat lying offshore. In addition to his assigned mission as guide, he carried dispatches the length of the fire-swept beach; he assisted the wounded; he calmed the shocked; he arose as a leader in the stress of the occasion. His coolness and his dauntless daring courage while constantly risking his life during a period of many hours had an inestimable effect on his comrades and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

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1LT Jimmie Watters Monteith Jr., 26, USA (1917–1944)

Company L, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division
Omaha Beach, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France
June 6, 1944
Presented March 29, 1945
Posthumous

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to 1LT (Inf) Jimmie W. Monteith (ASN: 0-1285792) Jr., United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on June 6, 1944, while serving with 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action near Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

1LT Monteith landed with the initial assault waves on the coast of France under heavy enemy fire. Without regard to his own personal safety he continually moved up and down the beach reorganizing men for further assault. He then led the assault over a narrow protective ledge and across the flat, exposed terrain to the comparative safety of a cliff. Retracing his steps across the field to the beach, he moved over to where two tanks were buttoned up and blind under violent enemy artillery and machine-gun fire. Completely exposed to the intense fire, 1LT Monteith led the tanks on foot through a minefield and into firing positions. Under his direction several enemy positions were destroyed. He then rejoined his company and under his leadership his men captured an advantageous position on the hill. Supervising the defense of his newly won position against repeated vicious counterattacks, he continued to ignore his own personal safety, repeatedly crossing the 200 or 300 yards of open terrain under heavy fire to strengthen links in his defensive chain. When the enemy succeeded in completely surrounding 1LT Monteith and his unit and while leading the fight out of the situation, 1LT Monteith was killed by enemy fire. The courage, gallantry, and intrepid leadership displayed by 1LT Monteith is worthy of emulation.

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T/5 John J. Pinder Jr., 32, USA (1912–1944)

HQ Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division
Omaha Beach, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France
June 6, 1944
Presented January 26, 1945
Posthumous

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to T/5 John J. Pinder Jr., United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on June 6, 1944, while serving with 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action near Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

On D-Day, T/5 Pinder landed on the coast 100 yards off shore under devastating enemy machine-gun and artillery fire which caused severe casualties among the boatload. Carrying a vitally important radio, he struggled towards shore in waist-deep water. Only a few yards from his craft he was hit by enemy fire and was gravely wounded. T/5 Pinder never stopped. He made shore and delivered the radio. Refusing to take cover afforded, or to accept medical attention for his wounds, T/5 Pinder, though terribly weakened by loss of blood and in fierce pain, on three occasions went into the fire-swept surf to salvage communication equipment. He recovered many vital parts and equipment, including another workable radio. On the third trip he was again hit, suffering machine-gun bullet wounds in the legs. Still this valiant soldier would not stop for rest or medical attention. Remaining exposed to heavy enemy fire, growing steadily weaker, he aided in establishing the vital radio communication on the beach. While so engaged this dauntless soldier was hit for the third time and killed. The indomitable courage and personal bravery of T/5 Pinder was a magnificent inspiration to the men with whom he served.

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BG Theodore Roosevelt Jr., 56, USA (1887–1944)

8th Infantry Regiment and 70th Tank Battalion (4th Infantry Division)
Utah Beach, Normandy, France
June 6, 1944
Presented September 21, 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 BG Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (ASN: 0-139726), United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on June 6, 1944, while serving as a commander in the 4th Infantry Division in France.

After two verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, BG Roosevelt’s written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, BG Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strongpoints and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France.

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TSGT Frank D. Peregory, 28, USA (1916–1944)

Company K, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division
Grandcamp, France
June 8, 1944
Presented June 1945
Posthumous

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to TSGT Frank D. Peregory (ASN: 20365455), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division.

On June 8, 1944, the 3rd Battalion of the 116th Infantry was advancing on the strongly held German defenses at Grandcamp, France, when the leading elements were suddenly halted by decimating machine-gun fire from a firmly entrenched enemy force on the high ground overlooking the town. After numerous attempts to neutralize the enemy position by supporting artillery and tank fire had proved ineffective, TSGT Peregory, on his own initiative, advanced up the hill under withering fire, and worked his way to the crest where he discovered an entrenchment leading to the main enemy fortifications 200 yards away. Without hesitating, he leaped into the trench and moved toward the emplacement. Encountering a squad of enemy riflemen, he fearlessly attacked them with hand grenades and bayonet, killed eight and forced three to surrender. Continuing along the trench, he single-handedly forced the surrender of 32 more riflemen, captured the machine-gunners, and opened the way for the leading elements of the battalion to advance and secure its objective. The extraordinary gallantry and aggressiveness displayed by TSGT Peregory are exemplary of the highest tradition of the Armed Forces.

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PFC Charles N. DeGlopper, 22, USA (1921–1944)

Company C, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division
Merderet River at La Fière, France
June 9, 1944
Presented February 28, 1946
Posthumous

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to PFC Charles N. DeGlopper (ASN: 32581337), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty.

PFC DeGlopper was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, on June 9, 1944, advancing with the forward platoon to secure a bridgehead across the Merderet River at La Fière, France. At dawn the platoon had penetrated an outer line of machine guns and riflemen, but in so doing had become cut off from the rest of the company. Vastly superior forces began a decimation of the stricken unit and put in motion a flanking maneuver which would have completely exposed the American platoon in a shallow roadside ditch where it had taken cover. Detecting this danger, PFC DeGlopper volunteered to support his comrades by fire from his automatic rifle while they attempted a withdrawal through a break in a hedgerow 40 yards to the rear. Scorning a concentration of enemy automatic weapons and rifle fire, he walked from the ditch onto the road in full view of the Germans, and sprayed the hostile positions with assault fire. He was wounded, but he continued firing. Struck again, he started to fall; and yet his grim determination and valiant fighting spirit could not be broken. Kneeling in the roadway, weakened by his grievous wounds, he leveled his heavy weapon against the enemy and fired burst after burst until killed outright. He was successful in drawing the enemy action away from his fellow soldiers, who continued the fight from a more advantageous position and established the first bridgehead over the Merderet. In the area where he made his intrepid stand, his comrades later found the ground strewn with dead Germans and many machine guns and automatic weapons which he had knocked out of action. PFC DeGlopper’s gallant sacrifice and unflinching heroism while facing insurmountable odds were in great measure responsible for a highly important tactical victory in the Normandy Campaign.

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PVT Joe Gandara, 20, USA (1924–1944)

Company D, 2nd Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division
Amfreville, France
June 9, 1944
Presented March 18, 2014
Posthumous

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to PVT Joe Gandara (ASN: 39561681), United States Army, for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Amfreville, France on June 9, 1944.

On that day, PVT Gandara’s detachment came under devastating enemy fire from a strong German force, pinning the men to the ground for a period of four hours. PVT Gandara voluntarily advanced alone toward the enemy position. Firing his machine gun from his hip as he moved forward, he destroyed three hostile machine guns before he was fatally wounded. PVT Gandara’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the U.S. Army.

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CDR Samuel David Dealey, 37, USN (1906–1944)

USS Harder (SS-257)
Sibutu Passage, off Tawi-Tawi, Philippines
June 6-10, 1944
Presented August 29, 1945
Posthumous

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to CDR Samuel David Dealey (NSN: 0-63136), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the USS HARDER (SS-257) during her Fifth War Patrol in Japanese-controlled waters.

Floodlighted by a bright moon and disclosed to an enemy destroyer escort which bore down with intent to attack, CDR Dealey quickly dived to periscope depth and waited for the pursuer to close range, then opened fire, sending the target and all aboard down in flames with his third torpedo. Plunging deep to avoid fierce depth charges, he again surfaced and, within nine minutes after sighting another destroyer, had sent the enemy down tail first with a hit directly amidships. Evading detection, he penetrated the confined waters off Tawi-Tawi with the Japanese Fleet base six miles away and scored death blows on two patrolling destroyers in quick succession. With his ship heeled over by concussion from the first exploding target and the second vessel nosediving in a blinding detonation, he cleared the area at high speed. Sighted by a large hostile fleet force on the following day, he swung his bow toward the lead destroyer for another “down-the-throat” shot, fired three bow tubes and promptly crash-dived to be terrifically rocked seconds later by the exploding ship as the Harder passed beneath. This remarkable record of five vital Japanese destroyers sunk in five short-range torpedo attacks attests the valiant fighting spirit of CDR Dealey and his indomitable command.

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SSG Walter David Ehlers, 23, USA (1921–2014)

Company L, 3rd Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division
Near Gouville, France
June 9-10, 1944
Presented December 11, 1944

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to SSG Walter David Ehlers (ASN: 17002449), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action near Gouville, France, on June 9 and 10, 1944.

SSG Ehlers, always acting as the spearhead of the attack, repeatedly led his men against heavily defended enemy strongpoints exposing himself to deadly hostile fire whenever the situation required heroic and courageous leadership. Without waiting for an order, SSG Ehlers, far ahead of his men, led his squad against a strongly defended enemy strongpoint, personally killing four of an enemy patrol who attacked him en route. Then crawling forward under withering machine-gun fire, he pounced upon the gun crew and put it out of action. Turning his attention to two mortars protected by the crossfire of two machine guns, SSG Ehlers led his men through this hail of bullets to kill or put to flight the enemy of the mortar section, killing three men himself. After mopping up the mortar positions, he again advanced on a machine gun, his progress effectively covered by his squad. When he was almost on top of the gun he leaped to his feet and, although greatly outnumbered, he knocked out the position single-handed. The next day, having advanced deep into enemy territory, the platoon of which SSG Ehlers was a member, finding itself in an untenable position as the enemy brought increased mortar, machine-gun, and small-arms fire to bear on it, was ordered to withdraw. SSG Ehlers, after his squad had covered the withdrawal of the remainder of the platoon, stood up and by continuous fire at the semicircle of enemy placements, diverted the bulk of the heavy hostile fire on himself, thus permitting the members of his own squad to withdraw. At this point, though wounded himself, he carried his wounded automatic rifleman to safety and then returned fearlessly over the shell-swept field to retrieve the automatic rifle which he was unable to carry previously. After having his wound treated, he refused to be evacuated, and returned to lead his squad. The intrepid leadership, indomitable courage, and fearless aggressiveness displayed by SSG Ehlers in the face of overwhelming enemy forces serve as an inspiration to others.

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SSG Arthur Frederick DeFranzo, 25, USA (1919–1944)

18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division
Near Vaubadon, France
June 10, 1944
Presented January 4, 1945
Posthumous

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to SSG Arthur Frederick DeFranzo, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, on June 10, 1944, near Vaubadon, France, while serving with 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.

As scouts were advancing across an open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire with several machine guns and hit one of the men. SSG DeFranzo courageously moved out in the open to the aid of the wounded scout and was himself wounded but brought the man to safety. Refusing aid, SSG DeFranzo reentered the open field and led the advance upon the enemy. There were always at least two machine guns bringing unrelenting fire upon him, but SSG DeFranzo kept going forward, firing into the enemy and one-by-one the enemy emplacements became silent. While advancing, he was again wounded, but continued on until he was within 100 yards of the enemy position and even as he fell, he kept firing his rifle and waving his men forward. When his company came up behind him, SSG DeFranzo, despite his many severe wounds, suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward in the lead of his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. In a final gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several grenades at the enemy machinegun position and completely destroyed the gun. In this action, SSG DeFranzo lost his life, but by bearing the brunt of the enemy fire in leading the attack, he prevented a delay in the assault which would have been of considerable benefit to the foe, and he made possible his company’s advance with a minimum of casualties. The extraordinary heroism and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by SSG DeFranzo was a great inspiration to all about him, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

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LTC Robert George Cole, 29, USA (1915–1944)

3rd Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division
Carentan, France
June 11, 1944
Presented October 30, 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 LTC Robert George Cole (ASN: 0-22028), United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty on June 11, 1944, while serving with 3rd Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division at Carentan, France.

LTC Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing the last four bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was suddenly pinned to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle, machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well-prepared and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost elements. After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over one hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous casualties, LTC Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he rose to his feet in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man’s rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground and into the enemy position. His heroic and valiant action in so inspiring his men resulted in the complete establishment of our bridgehead across the Douve River. The cool fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership displayed by LTC Cole reflect great credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military service.

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SSG Homer L. Wise, 27, USA (1917–1974)

Company L, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division
Magliano, Italy
June 14, 1944
Presented December 8, 1944

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to SSG Homer L. Wise, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty on June 14, 1944, while serving with Company L, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action at Magliano, Italy.

While his platoon was pinned down by enemy small-arms fire from both flanks, SSG Wise left his position of comparative safety and assisted in carrying one of his men, who had been seriously wounded and who lay in an exposed position, to a point where he could receive medical attention. The advance of the platoon was resumed but was again stopped by enemy frontal fire. A German officer and two enlisted men, armed with automatic weapons, threatened the right flank. Fearlessly exposing himself, he moved to a position from which he killed all three with his submachine gun. Returning to his squad, he obtained an M1 rifle and several anti-tank grenades, then took up a position from which he delivered accurate fire on the enemy holding up the advance. As the battalion moved forward it was again stopped by enemy frontal and flanking fire. He procured an automatic rifle and, advancing ahead of his men, neutralized an enemy machine gun with his fire. When the flanking fire became more intense, he ran to a nearby tank and exposing himself on the turret, restored a jammed machine gun to operating efficiency and used it so effectively that the enemy fire from an adjacent ridge was materially reduced thus permitting the battalion to occupy its objective.

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GySgt Robert Howard McCard, 25, USMC (1918–1944)

Company A, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division
Saipan, Mariana Islands
June 16, 1944
Presented April 10, 1945
Posthumous

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (posthumously) to GySgt Robert Howard McCard, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Platoon Sergeant of Company A, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, during the battle for enemy Japanese-held Saipan, Mariana Islands, on June 16, 1944.

Cut off from the other units of his platoon when his tank was put out of action by a battery of enemy 77mm guns, GySgt McCard carried on resolutely, bringing all the tank’s weapons to bear on the enemy, until the severity of hostile fire caused him to order his crew out of the escape hatch while he courageously exposed himself to enemy guns by hurling hand grenades, in order to cover the evacuation of his men. Seriously wounded during this action and with his supply of grenades exhausted, GySgt McCard then dismantled one of the tank’s machine guns and faced the Japanese for the second time to deliver vigorous fire into their positions, destroying 16 of the enemy but sacrificing himself to insure the safety of his crew. His valiant fighting spirit and supreme loyalty in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon GySgt McCard and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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