Edward Andrew Bennett Jr.

The Unites States told this 23 year old Ohio boy that they needed his services. He was drafted into the Army in January, 1944, just weeks before his 24th birthday. A year later, on February 1st, 1945, he was a Corporal in Company B, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division when his group was pinned down by German machine gun fire just outside Heckhuscheid. It was dark and they had taken casualties. Corporal Bennett took off on his own in the face of fire and made it to the house where he killed 8 of the enemy. He was the Medal of Honor for this action. He also got a Bronze Star, A Silver Star and four Purple Hearts while fighting in Germany. Here is his MoH citation:

He was advancing with Company B across open ground to assault Heckhuscheid, Germany, just after dark when vicious enemy machinegun fire from a house on the outskirts of the town pinned down the group and caused several casualties. He began crawling to the edge of the field in an effort to flank the house, persisting in this maneuver even when the hostile machinegunners located him by the light of burning buildings and attempted to cut him down as he made for the protection of some trees. Reaching safety, he stealthily made his way by a circuitous route to the rear of the building occupied by the German gunners. With his trench knife he killed a sentry on guard there and then charged into the darkened house. In a furious hand-to-hand struggle he stormed about a single room which harbored 7 Germans. Three he killed with rifle fire, another he clubbed to death with the butt of his gun, and the 3 others he dispatched with his .45 caliber pistol. The fearless initiative, stalwart combat ability, and outstanding gallantry of Cpl. Bennett eliminated the enemy fire which was decimating his company's ranks and made it possible for the Americans to sweep all resistance from the town.

He went on to earn his commission, made the rank of Major and served in Korea as well before retiring in 1962. The United States called and he answered. 

Edward Andrew Bennett Jr., thank you for your service and commitment. Thank you for enduring what you endured. I shudder to think how history would have played out without such men as you.

Edward Andrew Bennett Jr. February 11, 1920 - May 2, 1983