World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Marlow, Oklahoma, he entered the US Army at Lubbock, Texas and served as a Private First Class in Company B, 301st Engineer Combat Battalion, 76th Infantry Division. Near Prumzurley, Germany, February 27, 1945, while on mine clearing detail he stepped on a well-concealed antipersonnel mine. Hearing the characteristic click noise after steeping on a mine indicating that it had been activated if he stepped aside, which would explode and kill other members of his squad, he deliberately placed his other foot on the mine, when he should have fallen prone. In doing so, he was killed when the charge detonated, giving his own life to save his fellow soldiers from death or injury. For most conspicuous gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on October 25, 1945.
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Marlow, Oklahoma, he entered the US Army at Lubbock, Texas and served as a Private First Class in Company B, 301st Engineer Combat Battalion, 76th Infantry Division. Near Prumzurley, Germany, February 27, 1945, while on mine clearing detail he stepped on a well-concealed antipersonnel mine. Hearing the characteristic click noise after steeping on a mine indicating that it had been activated if he stepped aside, which would explode and kill other members of his squad, he deliberately placed his other foot on the mine, when he should have fallen prone. In doing so, he was killed when the charge detonated, giving his own life to save his fellow soldiers from death or injury. For most conspicuous gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on October 25, 1945.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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