World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was issued the award posthumously on June 12, 1945, for his actions as a private with the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, US Army, on December 3, 1944, at Luchem, Germany. He joined the US Army in April 1943 and after his recruit and combat training, he was sent to the European Theater of Operations. On December 3, 1944, he single-handedly charged a German machine gun nest which was preventing the advance of his platoon. Although he was killed before reaching the nest, his attack provided a distraction which enabled his comrades to destroy the position. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor Citation reads: "Near Luchem, Germany, he volunteered to attempt the destruction of a nest of 5 enemy machineguns located in a bunker 150 yards to the flank which had stopped the advance of his platoon. Stripping off his pack, overshoes, helmet, and overcoat, he sprinted alone with his rifle and hand grenades across the open terrain toward the enemy emplacement. Before he had gone half the distance he was hit by a burst of machinegun fire. Dropping his rifle, he continued to stagger forward until he fell mortally wounded only 10 yards from the enemy emplacement. His single-handed attack forced the enemy to leave the machineguns. During this break in hostile fire the platoon moved forward and overran the position. Pvt. Henry, by his gallantry and intrepidity and utter disregard for his own life, enabled his company to reach its objective, capturing this key defense and 70 German prisoners."
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was issued the award posthumously on June 12, 1945, for his actions as a private with the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, US Army, on December 3, 1944, at Luchem, Germany. He joined the US Army in April 1943 and after his recruit and combat training, he was sent to the European Theater of Operations. On December 3, 1944, he single-handedly charged a German machine gun nest which was preventing the advance of his platoon. Although he was killed before reaching the nest, his attack provided a distraction which enabled his comrades to destroy the position. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor Citation reads: "Near Luchem, Germany, he volunteered to attempt the destruction of a nest of 5 enemy machineguns located in a bunker 150 yards to the flank which had stopped the advance of his platoon. Stripping off his pack, overshoes, helmet, and overcoat, he sprinted alone with his rifle and hand grenades across the open terrain toward the enemy emplacement. Before he had gone half the distance he was hit by a burst of machinegun fire. Dropping his rifle, he continued to stagger forward until he fell mortally wounded only 10 yards from the enemy emplacement. His single-handed attack forced the enemy to leave the machineguns. During this break in hostile fire the platoon moved forward and overran the position. Pvt. Henry, by his gallantry and intrepidity and utter disregard for his own life, enabled his company to reach its objective, capturing this key defense and 70 German prisoners."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
MEDAL OF HONOR PVT US ARMY WORLD WAR II 16th inf. 1st inf div.
(Flat Marker) "Time Will Not Diminish the Valor of his Deed."
Family Members
Advertisement
