#TuesdaysTroops - 4th AD's Medals of Honor (WW2)

As we continue to go through some of the parts of the 3rd Army, I want to remember three individuals from the 4th Armored Division. The 4th is special to me because it is the division my father served in. We will get to that at a later date. The 4th was also the first entire division to be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. That was for actions from December 22, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, to March 27, 1945, just after the crossing of the Rhine, as the spearhead of the 3rd Army's assault on German positions.

From September 14, 1944 through December 26, 1944, three men distinguished themselves above and beyond and were recognized and awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions. Those three men were, 1st Lt. James H. Fields of the 10th Armored Infantry Battalion, Pvt. James R. Hendrix of the 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion, and Sgt. Joseph J. Sadowski of the 37th Tank Battalion.

I will let the citations of these three men speak for themselves.

Joseph James Sadowski

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty at Valhey, France. On the afternoon of 14 September 1944, Sgt. Sadowski as a tank commander was advancing with the leading elements of Combat Command A, 4th Armored Division, through an intensely severe barrage of enemy fire from the streets and buildings of the town of Valhey. As Sgt. Sadowski's tank advanced through the hail of fire, it was struck by a shell from an 88-mm. gun fired at a range of 20 yards. The tank was disabled and burst into flames. The suddenness of the enemy attack caused confusion and hesitation among the crews of the remaining tanks of our forces. Sgt. Sadowski immediately ordered his crew to dismount and take cover in the adjoining buildings. After his crew had dismounted, Sgt. Sadowski discovered that 1 member of the crew, the bow gunner, had been unable to leave the tank. Although the tank was being subjected to a withering hail of enemy small-arms, bazooka, grenade, and mortar fire from the streets and from the windows of adjacent buildings, Sgt. Sadowski unhesitatingly returned to his tank and endeavored to pry up the bow gunner's hatch. While engaged in this attempt to rescue his comrade from the burning tank, he was cut down by a stream of machinegun fire which resulted in his death. The gallant and noble sacrifice of his life in the aid of his comrade, undertaken in the face of almost certain death, so inspired the remainder of the tank crews that they pressed forward with great ferocity and completely destroyed the enemy forces in this town without further loss to themselves. The heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sgt. Sadowski, which resulted in his death, inspired the remainder of his force to press forward to victory, and reflect the highest tradition of the armed forces.

James H. Fields 

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, at Rechicourt, France. On September 27, 1944, during a sharp action with the enemy infantry and tank forces, 1st Lt. Fields personally led his platoon in a counterattack on the enemy position. Although his platoon had been seriously depleted, the zeal and fervor of his leadership was such as to inspire his small force to accomplish their mission in the face of overwhelming enemy opposition. Seeing that 1 of the men had been wounded, he left his slit trench and with complete disregard for his personal safety attended the wounded man and administered first aid. While returning to his slit trench he was seriously wounded by a shell burst, the fragments of which cut through his face and head, tearing his teeth, gums, and nasal passage. Although rendered speechless by his wounds, 1st Lt. Fields refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his platoon by the use of hand signals. On 1 occasion, when 2 enemy machineguns had a portion of his unit under deadly crossfire, he left his hole, wounded as he was, ran to a light machinegun, whose crew had been knocked out, picked up the gun, and fired it from his hip with such deadly accuracy that both the enemy gun positions were silenced. His action so impressed his men that they found new courage to take up the fire fight, increasing their firepower, and exposing themselves more than ever to harass the enemy with additional bazooka and machinegun fire. Only when his objective had been taken and the enemy scattered did 1st Lt. Fields consent to be evacuated to the battalion command post. At this point he refused to move further back until he had explained to his battalion commander by drawing on paper the position of his men and the disposition of the enemy forces. The dauntless and gallant heroism displayed by 1st Lt. Fields were largely responsible for the repulse of the enemy forces and contributed in a large measure to the successful capture of his battalion objective during this action. His eagerness and determination to close with the enemy and to destroy him was an inspiration to the entire command, and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.

James Richard Hendrix

On the night of 26 December 1944, near Assenois, Belgium, he was with the leading element engaged in the final thrust to break through to the besieged garrison at Bastogne when halted by a fierce combination of artillery and small arms fire. He dismounted from his half-track and advanced against two 88mm. guns, and, by the ferocity of his rifle fire, compelled the guncrews to take cover and then to surrender. Later in the attack he again left his vehicle, voluntarily, to aid 2 wounded soldiers, helpless and exposed to intense machinegun fire. Effectively silencing 2 hostile machineguns, he held off the enemy by his own fire until the wounded men were evacuated. Pvt. Hendrix again distinguished himself when he hastened to the aid of still another soldier who was trapped in a burning half-track. Braving enemy sniper fire and exploding mines and ammunition in the vehicle, he extricated the wounded man and extinguished his flaming clothing, thereby saving the life of his fellow soldier. Pvt. Hendrix, by his superb courage and heroism, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service.

Fields went on to attain the rank of Captain and also received a Bronze and a Silver Star for other actions during the war. 

Sadowski was honored by the citizens of Valhey, France in 1999, when they erected a monument honoring him. There was also a ceremony at the monument in 2009, the 65th anniversary of his death, where an old friend and a commander of Co. B, 37th Tank Battalion, Col. Jimmie Leach spoke in his honor.

Hendrix went on to attain the rank of MSgt. and served in Korea and Vietnam as well before he retired in 1966.

All three of these men exemplified the spirit and tenacity of, not only their units, but also the 4th Armored Division as a whole. The division's drive through German defenses was legendary, and was lead from the top down by extremely talented and driven men. They were a large part of the reason that the Third Army hammered Germany in the manner that they did.

Let us never forget these three men, nor the units they served with, which will be explored further, in more detail in coming weeks. 

#TuesdaysTroops - 90th Infantry Division

90th ID "Tough 'Ombres"

The 90th Infantry Division was formed during World War One. Only "over there" for about a year, they fought as part of the American Expeditionary Forces under General Pershing in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel. The allied attack caught the Germans in retreat and decimated them, killing, wounding or taking prisoner around half of the 50,000 German troops. This was a significant victory. 

They also were part of the Meuse-Argonne offensive, the principle, largest, and final battle by the U.S. in the war. It cost the United States about 120,000 casualties, among them, over 7500, including almost 1100 dead from the 90th Infantry Division. The 90th would return to the U.S. and become deactivated following the war.

March of 1942 would see the reactivation of the 90th. For two years they trained and were then sent to England where they would continue training from Early April 1944 until June 4, 1944. At that point, they headed to Utah Beach, Normandy, France. 

The 90th Infantry Division, during World War Two consisted of the 315th Engineer Combat Bn., four field artillery battalions, the 343rd, 344th, 345th, and 915th. three infantry regiments, the 357th, 358th, and 359th, and the 790th Ardance Light Maintenance Company. Also, attached to the division were parts of the 537th Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion, the 712th Tank Battalion, and the 607th and 773rd Tank Destroyer Battalions. 

Starting with the D-Day landings in Normandy, the 90th participated in 5 major campaigns, including the Northern France portion of Operation Overlord, the Rhineland Campaign, Ardennes-Alsace, including the Battle of the Bulge, and finally, the Central Europe Campaign which culminated with the invasion of Germany and the end of the European portion of World War Two. It was in the waning weeks of the war when they came upon the Flossenbürg concentration camp. This camp saw over 90,000 prisoners pass through, some 30,000 died there. By the time the 90th ID arrived, only about 1500 severely emaciated people remained in camp. About a week after liberating them, the war came to end. The same day this news arrived, the 90th accepted the surrender of the highest scoring fighter ace in history, Erich Hartmann, "the Black Devil" as he was known to the Soviets. He downed 345 of their aircraft and 7 American aircraft during the war. Also surrendering to the 90th that day, was Hartmann's unit, the Jagdgeshwader 52, which claimed over 10,000 aerial victories.

The 90th was comprised of men who were awarded over 6100 Bronze Stars, 1400+ Silver Stars, 54 Distinguished Service Crosses, and 4 recipients of the Medal of Honor. Those men were:

Sergeant John D. "Bud" Hawk

Company E, 359th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division

PFC Foster J. Sayers

Company L, 357th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division

Technical Sergeant Eugene Everhart Sr.

 Company H, 359th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division

Corporal Edward A. Bennett

 Company B, 358th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division

The 90th returned stateside in December, 1945 and was deactivated. A valued part of Patton's 3rd Army, he once said of the division, "Sometimes I don't think you know how ___ ____ good you are. You are the best soldiers in the world. It was a great honor to command you." While Patton may have spoken similar words to others, those are indeed hefty praise coming from him. I have no doubt that he meant them.

The men of the 90th, spread among many different units, were very much a huge part of the victory in Europe. From intensive training, to the invasion of Normandy and the march through battle after bloody battle until Germany was defeated was no small thing. The number of men lost was staggering. They lost more than they started with. Constant re-enforcement kept the units running like a well oiled machine that would not stop until the job was done. 

There have been at least 25 notable books written about the 90th or elements of the 90th, a great list can be found on the 90th Division Association's website at: Books About the 90th. There look to be some really good reads in here.

Not many remain from these warriors who fought so incredibly valiantly so many years ago. It is a privilege for me to learn and share as much about them as I can. I encourage you to dig further as well. There is a wealth of information out there if you have the time and desire to look for it. Let's not forget these men. Honor them by getting to know about what they did. The sacrifices they made are overwhelming if you think about it. So many gave so much of themselves for each other and for the freedoms, not only that we enjoy, but for the freedoms of people halfway around the world whom they didn't even know. Some of the towns throughout Europe seem to hold these heroes in higher reverance than do many of our own citizens. This is a sad fact that should not be tolerated. Honor them. Remember them. Cherish them!

#FridayForts - Ft. Riley

Fort Riley, "Home of the Big Red One" (1st Infantry Division), is known for its excellent training, abundant recreational opportunities, rich history, and tremendous relations with surrounding communities.

That's according to the website for Fort Riley, located in Kansas, about 60 miles west of Topeka. I can't speak to all of that, but it definitely has a rich history. 

In 1853, Camp Center, in the Kansas Territory was named after Major General Bennett C. Riley, just 3 weeks after his death. It initially served as a military post to protect people and trade traveling over three of the major trails heading westward, the Oregon, California and Sante Fe Trails. In the years after the Civil War, the post was a U.S. Cavalry base and school for cavalry tactics. It was also used as a base for years of Indian skirmishes, George Custer was stationed here with the 7th Cavalry in 1866. Custer Hill is the main troop billeting area on the base and the Custer Home is a period accurate museum located on the base. In 1887, Fort Riley became home to the United States Cavalry School. 

Among other notable units associated with Fort Riley are the 9th and 10th Cavalry, the famed "Buffalo Soldiers". They were each stationed at Ft. Riley at various points in their histories. Just before World War One, both became part of the 2nd Cavalry Division, which was also stationed here for a short time.

In the following two decades, sometimes referred to as the golden age of cavalry, thanks to rigorous, outstanding training at Fort Riley, U.S. Cavalry units grew to be among the best in the world. The United States Army Cavalry School's reputation, ranked them with the French and Italian schools. All things cavalry became very popular for the time, including horse shows, hunts and polo matches, which were an outgrowth of the cavalry.

Advances in battlefield technologies demonstrated during WW1 cast doubt, by some, on the future of effective usefulness of  cavalry units. The War Department had directed the development of tank units by the late 1920's and in 1936, the 7th Cavalry Brigade(mechanized) was activated. In 1938, the 7th marched from Fort Knox to Fort Riley and took part in large-scale combine maneuvers of horse and mechanized units. These exercises helped prove the effectiveness of mechanized cavalry.

The lead up to World War Two saw changes at Fort Riley. One notable change was the rebuilding of Camp Funston, just outside the base. Funston was initially built as a cantonment that could accommodate up to 50,000 troops. In December, 1940, the 2nd Cavalry Division was stationed there and an additional 32,000 acres were acquired for training purposes. The 9th Armored Division was organized in July, 1942 and after they deployed, Funston was turned into a POW camp. It became one of up to fourteen in the immediate area.

Just after WW2, in November, 1946, the Cavalry School ceased operations. The following March, the last tactical horse units were deactivated. The Cavalry School was replaced with the Ground General School. It trained newly commissioned officers in basic military subjects. An officer’s candidate course was conducted along with training officers and enlisted men in intelligence techniques. Soon after, the storied 10th Mountain Division was activated. The 16-week basic military program conducted by this division prepared soldiers for infantry combat and duty with other infantry units. This was 1948. About two years later, North Korea invaded South Korea and Fort Riley became the focal point for much of the training of the troops involved.

The Cold War saw the 10th Mountain Division rotate to Germany as part of Operation Gyroscope. The void at Fort Riley was filled handily by the Big Red One. The 1st Infantry Division began arriving in July, 1955 and did not fully integrate until the last units of the 2nd Battle Group, 8th Infantry arrived in December 1959. Over the next seven years, heightened activity with the 1st Infantry Division in the way of Operation Long Thrust, which saw troops moved to and from Germany, the building of the Berlin Wall, and the Cuban Missile Crisis had Ft. Riley bursting at the seams. To support the need for more adequate training facilities, an additional 50,000 acres were acquired in 1966.

The Vietnam War required the 1st Infantry Division to be deployed starting in July, 1965 with the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry. Divisional HQ followed in September. Fort Riley was home to a new provisional basic combat training brigade which was followed by the addition of the reactivated 9th Infantry Division. They soon followed the 1st ID to Vietnam.

Soon, the 24th Infantry Division would arrive. The 1st ID would return from Vietnam in April of 1970. Reserve Officer Training Corps summer camps were also held at the fort, demonstrating and teaching their skills to aspiring second lieutenants. The fort also hosted the model U. S. Army Correctional Brigade, housed in Camp Funston, and the 3rd ROTC Region Headquarters until their inactivation in 1992.

Operation Desert Storm saw the Big Red One on the move, yet again. Along with the 1st Infantry Division, 27 non-divisional units were deployed and twenty-four reserve components were mobilized. This amounted to 15,180 soldiers being sent overseas via 115 aircraft. This, along with 3,000 short tons of equipment. This culminated with the "100 hours of combat", in February, 1991, which crushed Iraq's Republican Guard. Later that spring, the 1st ID came home to Fort Riley.

Spring of 1995 saw the 1st Infantry Division's HQ transferred back to Germany. All that remained at Ft. Riley was 1st Brigade, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division and the 937th Engineer Group.

1999 saw the re-emergence of Ft. Riley as a Division Headquarters with the reactivation of the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized).

In April, 2003, the 3rd Brigade 1st Armored Division deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 3rd Brigade operated in and around Baghdad in support of the 1st Armored Division. Over the next 9 years, Fort Riley units supported combat operations both Iraq and Afghanistan.

On August 1, 2006, the 1st Infantry Division returned to Fort Riley and became the post's main Division, replacing the 24th Infantry Division in that role.

Four museums, in addition to the Custer Home are located on base. The U.S. Cavalry Museum, which features exhibits and artifacts dating from the Revolutionary War up until the 1950's, the 1st Infantry Division Museum, which traces the division from it's inception, the first territorial capitol of Kansas, which is the sole remaining building in the ghost town that was taken over by Ft. Riley after only 5 days of existence, and finally, one of  eight of the twenty M65 atomic cannons, known collectively as "Atomic Annie".

Fort Riley has been a focal point of U.S. military operations since its inception. The role it has played in cavalry operations, training and support have done a tremendous amount for the preparation and readiness of combat troops going back 150 years. Two of the most storied divisions in our history have called Ft. Riley home. Innumerable troops have passed through her gates in various roles with various duties and destinations. Many of them never came home. Let's not forget those who have fought out of Ft. Riley. The sacrifices they have made have gone a long way on forging the freedoms we now enjoy.

Thank you to all who have ever set passed through Ft. Riley in the name of defending this country! Your impact is cherished and your memory remains alive! 

  

#WarriorWednesday - MSG Llewellyn Chilson

Llewellyn Chilson was born in Dayton, Ohio on April 1, 1920. His service epitomizes the concept of warrior.

He was inducted into the Army on March 28, 1942, about one month after his older brother, Alvin, was killed in action while fighting in the Philippines. His basic training was completed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana and then he trained further at Camp Livingston, Louisiana and then Camp Johnson, Florida where he underwent amphibious training with the 112th IR. After this he transferred yet again to Fort Pickett, Virginia where he was assigned duty with an anti-tank company of the 179th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division, Thunderbirds.

With the Thunderbirds, he fought in North Africa, Italy, North and South France, and finally Germany. In this relatively short two years, he distinguished himself as someone who could be counted on by those around him, and someone who was in no way afraid to take it to the enemy.

When he was discharged, after the war, he had been awarded twelve individual decorations for combat, seven of which were decoration for valor. It is believed that his seven combat valor decorations are the most to have been awarded an infantryman during World War Two. In addition to all of these, he was also nominated on two separate occasions for the Medal of Honor.

While in Italy, he was awarded the first of his three Purple Hearts after a shrapnel wound on February 15, 1944. The following day, he and three other soldiers were captured by Germans only after running out of ammunition during a firefight. All four managed to escape the following day and took four German prisoners with them. This led to the subsequent capture of forty more Germans by Chilson. For these actions he was awarded the first of his three Silver Stars. This was awarded after he, alone, rushed against a German roadblock killing three and taking nine prisoners.

On November 30, 1944 near Gumbrechstoffen, France he defended what was thought to be an indefensible position. For this action, he was nominated for the Medal of Honor by his platoon sergeant. About three months later, a series of actions by Chilson, including taking 200 German prisoners led to his being nominated yet again for the Medal of Honor. This occurred during a five day period in late March, 1945 where he was awarded the Legion of Merit, his third Silver Star, a Bronze Star with V, and a Distinguished Service Cross.

Less than a month later, in Germany now, from April 25 to April 27, he was awarded his second and third Distinguished Service Crosses and his second and third Purple Hearts. Chilson was hospitalized and eventually sent back to the states and given an honorable discharge on June 30, 1946. That December, President Truman decorated him with seven of the medals he had been awarded. In doing so, Truman remarked, "This is the most remarkable list of citations I have ever seen. For any one of these, this young man is entitled to all the Country has to offer. These ought to be worth a Medal of Honor---that's what I think about it." Chilson's Medal of Honor had been approved by General Joseph T. McNarney, commanding general of U.S. forces in the European theater, but the War Depatrment, while finding his actions very commendable, did not find them worthy of the Medal of Honor.

Chilson re-enlisted in November, 1947, waiving his disability, and served as an Army Recruiter. He was sent to Ft. Hood in 1947 to help train National Guardsmen. While there, he met Audie Murphy, another warrior, who is the only soldier more decorated than Chilson was during World War Two.

Chilson was one of only four who survived the crash of a USAF C-124A Globemaster II. That crash, near McChord Air Force Base, killed 24.

Chilson retired from the U.S. Army as a Master Sergeant in 1964. He mover to Tacoma, Washington and managed a service station and drove a taxi until his death in 1981, at age 61.

Llewellyn Chilson's military awards include twelve individual decorations for combat he received from the U.S. Army for World War II: three Distinguished Service Crosses, three Silver Stars, one Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars (one for heroism), and three Purple Hearts.

To say Llewellyn Chilson was a warrior is probably selling him short. His actions in combat are extraordinary. He undoubtedly save many lives by leadership in action. He probably inspired many men to push further, to fight harder and to never give up under whatever circumstances they found themselves. He absolutely embodies what the warrior spirit is about.

Thank you Llewellyn Chilson for a stellar Army career.


A short newsreel of Truman decorating Chilson : Truman Decorates Chilson

A very thorough timeline of Chilson's Army service: 45th Division - Chilson

179th IR

45th Infantry Division

USS Mount Vernon (ID-4508)

In 1906, German shipping company, North German Lloyd had the SS Kronprinzessin Cecilie (Crown Princess Cecilie) built as a luxury liner. It operated between Bremen, Germany and New York until WW1 broke out in 1914. When that happened, it was interned by the neutral United States until we entered the war in 1917. At that point, it was seized and transferred to the US Navy for use as a troop transport. It was then renamed the USS Mount Vernon.

During the war, she made nine successful trips across the Atlantic, carrying troops into battle at Brest, France. On this date, September 5, 1918, 97 years ago, while on another crossing, returning 350 wounded soldiers back home. 200 miles from France, her gun crews spotted a periscope. Only 500 yards away, the German U-82 fired a torpedo as the Mount Vernon fired her guns back and made evasive turns. The sub submerged and got away, but the Mount Vernon was not able to avoid the torpedo, which struck and knocked out half of her boilers. 36 men were killed as a result.

The ship was able to make it back to Brest for temporary repairs, and eventually made it back to Boston for full repairs. She eventually returned to France, sailing on February 22, Washington's Birthday, to begin returning US veterans back home.

Today we remember those lost aboard the Mount Vernon. Especially heartbreaking considering they had been injured in battle, survived, and were on their way home. They gave and gave some more in the fight against tyranny and their contributions should never be forgotten.

Remembering the Men of the 7406th

The 7406 Support Squadron was activated Rhein-Main Air Base, West Germany in May of 1955. By 1958, they had converted from the RB50-E Super-fortress (a post WW2 revision of the B-29) over to the new C-130A-II Hercules recon aircraft. They had been modified specifically for reconnaissance work.

On September 2, 1958, one of these aircraft took off from Incirlik Airbase in Turkey for a routine mission along the Turkish-Armenian border. It had a crew of 6 along with 11 members of the USAF Security Services. They were flying a route parallel to the Soviet border, not to get closer than 100 miles. The crew reported in over Trabzon, Turkey and then acknowledged a weather report from there. No other communication was made by the crew after that.

It is assumed that they confused a navigational beacon from the USSR with similar beacons from Trabzon that they had been briefed on. Once over Soviet airspace they were confronted by 4 MiG 34 miles NW of Yerevan, Armenia. The 4 MiGs took turns firing at the unarmed C-130 until they shot it down. It took 33 years for the Soviets to release this fact. They initially claimed that it just inexplicably fell from the sky of its own accord.

Of the 17 men on board, the Soviets only returned the remains of the six crew members(five of which were identified). They denied the existence of the remaining 11 and they were never returned.

We remember these 17 men who perished that day, 57 years ago. They died honorably while serving their country.

We will never forget you.

CPT Paul E Duncan

MSG George P Petrochilos

TSG Arthur L Mello

SSG Leroy Price

A1C Robert J Oshinskie

A2C Archie T Bourg Jr.

A2C James E Feguson Jr.

A2C Joel H Fields 

A2C Harold T Kamps

A2C Gerald C Maggiacomo

A2C Clement O Mankins

A2C Gerald H Medeiros

A2C Robert H Moore

CPT John E Simpson

CPT Rudy J Swiestra

CPT Edward J Jeruss

1LT Ricardo M Vallareal

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