Biography gleaned from www.westpointaog.org
Graduate United States Military Academy Class of 1935
Henry T. Cherry, Jr. was born Jul. 15, 1911 in Macon, Georgia.
As a high school student, he was a prominent member of his class, edtior-in-chief of the school's monthly publication, a first string guard on the football team, a member of the leading social club, and a cadet captain in the ROTC battalion. On graduation he entered Marion Institute in Marion, Alabama—where he prepped successfully for the West Point exams.
He entered West Point in July 1931, graduating in 1935. After graduation, Hank joined the Eighth Cavalry at old Fort Bliss where he served for four years. There he married his regimental commander's daughter—the much sought after Suzanne Swift. In 1939, Hank took the Troop Officers' Course at the Cavalry School where he graduated at the top of his class. He was nominated for the Advanced Equitation Class in 1940. With war looming Hank was sent back to Bliss for a brief second tour with the 1st Cavalry Division.
In the Summer of 1942, Hank moved to Fort Benning to take over the 3rd Tank Battalion of the 10th Armored Division. Appropriately enough, this battalion was formed from the old 3rd Cavalry, formerly commanded by Skinny Wainright, George Patton, and other distinguished leaders. Hank trained at Sand Hill and on the Tennessee maneuvers for the exacting task that was to be its lot overseas. In Europe, Hank was aggressive and courageous in combat and an outstandingly strong battalion commander. Twice wounded in action at the head of his battalion; three times he was cited for gallantry and once for extraordinary heroism. Hank was a key figure in the historic defense of Bastogne. General Maxwell Taylor had this to say of him on that occasion: "Gathering up armored vehicles in and about the town, Hank made up an effective armored command which, moving on interior lines within the perimeter defended Bastogne under the flag of the 101st Airborne Division.
After the war, Hank did a tour with Headquarters, Third Army, in Heidelberg and later, with the Vienna Area Command, being joined by his family in 1946. In 1947 he returned to the US to take the course at the Armed Forces Staff College. Upon graduation from the College, at the personal request of General Taylor, Hank was assigned to command the Armored Detachment at West Point. Thereafter, Hank attended the Army War College and served a tour on the Department of the Army General Staff, as Chief of the Special Weapons Section of Army War Plans Branch in G3. Here he became an expert in the newest of the Army's arsenal of weapons—guided missiles, atomic cannon, and the like. He was under orders for Korea as Chief of Staff of a US Division when he was stricken with his fatal illness. Cherry died in Ft. Sam Houston,TX.
It is significant that the commanders of the two U.S. Armies today defending the frontiers of the Free World joined with numerous others in paying tribute to Hank after his death. General McAuliffe stated: "I had nothing but the greatest admiration and respect for Hank Cherry, both as an officer and as a man". From far off Korea, General Maxwell Taylor wrote: "I join his family and countless friends in mourning the loss of this gallant and able soldier."
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Suggested edit from FAG Contributor (47806468)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Henry Thomas Cherry, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Tank Battalion, 10th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces at Neffe Chateau, Belgium, on 19 December 1944. At 0600 hours his Reconnaissance platoon was attacked at an outpost position, forcing the platoon to withdraw towards Bastogne. An enemy force attacked Colonel Cherry's Headquarters Company most of the day and encircled the chateau in which the Command Post was located. The outnumbered Team Cherry was finally reinforced by the 101st Airborne Division at 1430 hours, by which time the Chateau was in flames and the men, their numbers depleted, were no longer able to hold the position. They fought their way out and repositioned themselves at Mont, a small town two miles away. Colonel Cherry led his men in defending the outpost until the end, and then lead his men out of the inferno when the decision was made to regroup at Mont. Lieutenant Colonel Cherry's gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Graduate United States Military Academy Class of 1935
Henry T. Cherry, Jr. was born Jul. 15, 1911 in Macon, Georgia.
As a high school student, he was a prominent member of his class, edtior-in-chief of the school's monthly publication, a first string guard on the football team, a member of the leading social club, and a cadet captain in the ROTC battalion. On graduation he entered Marion Institute in Marion, Alabama—where he prepped successfully for the West Point exams.
He entered West Point in July 1931, graduating in 1935. After graduation, Hank joined the Eighth Cavalry at old Fort Bliss where he served for four years. There he married his regimental commander's daughter—the much sought after Suzanne Swift. In 1939, Hank took the Troop Officers' Course at the Cavalry School where he graduated at the top of his class. He was nominated for the Advanced Equitation Class in 1940. With war looming Hank was sent back to Bliss for a brief second tour with the 1st Cavalry Division.
In the Summer of 1942, Hank moved to Fort Benning to take over the 3rd Tank Battalion of the 10th Armored Division. Appropriately enough, this battalion was formed from the old 3rd Cavalry, formerly commanded by Skinny Wainright, George Patton, and other distinguished leaders. Hank trained at Sand Hill and on the Tennessee maneuvers for the exacting task that was to be its lot overseas. In Europe, Hank was aggressive and courageous in combat and an outstandingly strong battalion commander. Twice wounded in action at the head of his battalion; three times he was cited for gallantry and once for extraordinary heroism. Hank was a key figure in the historic defense of Bastogne. General Maxwell Taylor had this to say of him on that occasion: "Gathering up armored vehicles in and about the town, Hank made up an effective armored command which, moving on interior lines within the perimeter defended Bastogne under the flag of the 101st Airborne Division.
After the war, Hank did a tour with Headquarters, Third Army, in Heidelberg and later, with the Vienna Area Command, being joined by his family in 1946. In 1947 he returned to the US to take the course at the Armed Forces Staff College. Upon graduation from the College, at the personal request of General Taylor, Hank was assigned to command the Armored Detachment at West Point. Thereafter, Hank attended the Army War College and served a tour on the Department of the Army General Staff, as Chief of the Special Weapons Section of Army War Plans Branch in G3. Here he became an expert in the newest of the Army's arsenal of weapons—guided missiles, atomic cannon, and the like. He was under orders for Korea as Chief of Staff of a US Division when he was stricken with his fatal illness. Cherry died in Ft. Sam Houston,TX.
It is significant that the commanders of the two U.S. Armies today defending the frontiers of the Free World joined with numerous others in paying tribute to Hank after his death. General McAuliffe stated: "I had nothing but the greatest admiration and respect for Hank Cherry, both as an officer and as a man". From far off Korea, General Maxwell Taylor wrote: "I join his family and countless friends in mourning the loss of this gallant and able soldier."
-------------------------------------
Suggested edit from FAG Contributor (47806468)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Henry Thomas Cherry, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Tank Battalion, 10th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces at Neffe Chateau, Belgium, on 19 December 1944. At 0600 hours his Reconnaissance platoon was attacked at an outpost position, forcing the platoon to withdraw towards Bastogne. An enemy force attacked Colonel Cherry's Headquarters Company most of the day and encircled the chateau in which the Command Post was located. The outnumbered Team Cherry was finally reinforced by the 101st Airborne Division at 1430 hours, by which time the Chateau was in flames and the men, their numbers depleted, were no longer able to hold the position. They fought their way out and repositioned themselves at Mont, a small town two miles away. Colonel Cherry led his men in defending the outpost until the end, and then lead his men out of the inferno when the decision was made to regroup at Mont. Lieutenant Colonel Cherry's gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Biography gleaned from www.westpointaog.org
Graduate United States Military Academy Class of 1935
Henry T. Cherry, Jr. was born Jul. 15, 1911 in Macon, Georgia.
As a high school student, he was a prominent member of his class, edtior-in-chief of the school's monthly publication, a first string guard on the football team, a member of the leading social club, and a cadet captain in the ROTC battalion. On graduation he entered Marion Institute in Marion, Alabama—where he prepped successfully for the West Point exams.
He entered West Point in July 1931, graduating in 1935. After graduation, Hank joined the Eighth Cavalry at old Fort Bliss where he served for four years. There he married his regimental commander's daughter—the much sought after Suzanne Swift. In 1939, Hank took the Troop Officers' Course at the Cavalry School where he graduated at the top of his class. He was nominated for the Advanced Equitation Class in 1940. With war looming Hank was sent back to Bliss for a brief second tour with the 1st Cavalry Division.
In the Summer of 1942, Hank moved to Fort Benning to take over the 3rd Tank Battalion of the 10th Armored Division. Appropriately enough, this battalion was formed from the old 3rd Cavalry, formerly commanded by Skinny Wainright, George Patton, and other distinguished leaders. Hank trained at Sand Hill and on the Tennessee maneuvers for the exacting task that was to be its lot overseas. In Europe, Hank was aggressive and courageous in combat and an outstandingly strong battalion commander. Twice wounded in action at the head of his battalion; three times he was cited for gallantry and once for extraordinary heroism. Hank was a key figure in the historic defense of Bastogne. General Maxwell Taylor had this to say of him on that occasion: "Gathering up armored vehicles in and about the town, Hank made up an effective armored command which, moving on interior lines within the perimeter defended Bastogne under the flag of the 101st Airborne Division.
After the war, Hank did a tour with Headquarters, Third Army, in Heidelberg and later, with the Vienna Area Command, being joined by his family in 1946. In 1947 he returned to the US to take the course at the Armed Forces Staff College. Upon graduation from the College, at the personal request of General Taylor, Hank was assigned to command the Armored Detachment at West Point. Thereafter, Hank attended the Army War College and served a tour on the Department of the Army General Staff, as Chief of the Special Weapons Section of Army War Plans Branch in G3. Here he became an expert in the newest of the Army's arsenal of weapons—guided missiles, atomic cannon, and the like. He was under orders for Korea as Chief of Staff of a US Division when he was stricken with his fatal illness. Cherry died in Ft. Sam Houston,TX.
It is significant that the commanders of the two U.S. Armies today defending the frontiers of the Free World joined with numerous others in paying tribute to Hank after his death. General McAuliffe stated: "I had nothing but the greatest admiration and respect for Hank Cherry, both as an officer and as a man". From far off Korea, General Maxwell Taylor wrote: "I join his family and countless friends in mourning the loss of this gallant and able soldier."
-------------------------------------
Suggested edit from FAG Contributor (47806468)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Henry Thomas Cherry, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Tank Battalion, 10th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces at Neffe Chateau, Belgium, on 19 December 1944. At 0600 hours his Reconnaissance platoon was attacked at an outpost position, forcing the platoon to withdraw towards Bastogne. An enemy force attacked Colonel Cherry's Headquarters Company most of the day and encircled the chateau in which the Command Post was located. The outnumbered Team Cherry was finally reinforced by the 101st Airborne Division at 1430 hours, by which time the Chateau was in flames and the men, their numbers depleted, were no longer able to hold the position. They fought their way out and repositioned themselves at Mont, a small town two miles away. Colonel Cherry led his men in defending the outpost until the end, and then lead his men out of the inferno when the decision was made to regroup at Mont. Lieutenant Colonel Cherry's gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Graduate United States Military Academy Class of 1935
Henry T. Cherry, Jr. was born Jul. 15, 1911 in Macon, Georgia.
As a high school student, he was a prominent member of his class, edtior-in-chief of the school's monthly publication, a first string guard on the football team, a member of the leading social club, and a cadet captain in the ROTC battalion. On graduation he entered Marion Institute in Marion, Alabama—where he prepped successfully for the West Point exams.
He entered West Point in July 1931, graduating in 1935. After graduation, Hank joined the Eighth Cavalry at old Fort Bliss where he served for four years. There he married his regimental commander's daughter—the much sought after Suzanne Swift. In 1939, Hank took the Troop Officers' Course at the Cavalry School where he graduated at the top of his class. He was nominated for the Advanced Equitation Class in 1940. With war looming Hank was sent back to Bliss for a brief second tour with the 1st Cavalry Division.
In the Summer of 1942, Hank moved to Fort Benning to take over the 3rd Tank Battalion of the 10th Armored Division. Appropriately enough, this battalion was formed from the old 3rd Cavalry, formerly commanded by Skinny Wainright, George Patton, and other distinguished leaders. Hank trained at Sand Hill and on the Tennessee maneuvers for the exacting task that was to be its lot overseas. In Europe, Hank was aggressive and courageous in combat and an outstandingly strong battalion commander. Twice wounded in action at the head of his battalion; three times he was cited for gallantry and once for extraordinary heroism. Hank was a key figure in the historic defense of Bastogne. General Maxwell Taylor had this to say of him on that occasion: "Gathering up armored vehicles in and about the town, Hank made up an effective armored command which, moving on interior lines within the perimeter defended Bastogne under the flag of the 101st Airborne Division.
After the war, Hank did a tour with Headquarters, Third Army, in Heidelberg and later, with the Vienna Area Command, being joined by his family in 1946. In 1947 he returned to the US to take the course at the Armed Forces Staff College. Upon graduation from the College, at the personal request of General Taylor, Hank was assigned to command the Armored Detachment at West Point. Thereafter, Hank attended the Army War College and served a tour on the Department of the Army General Staff, as Chief of the Special Weapons Section of Army War Plans Branch in G3. Here he became an expert in the newest of the Army's arsenal of weapons—guided missiles, atomic cannon, and the like. He was under orders for Korea as Chief of Staff of a US Division when he was stricken with his fatal illness. Cherry died in Ft. Sam Houston,TX.
It is significant that the commanders of the two U.S. Armies today defending the frontiers of the Free World joined with numerous others in paying tribute to Hank after his death. General McAuliffe stated: "I had nothing but the greatest admiration and respect for Hank Cherry, both as an officer and as a man". From far off Korea, General Maxwell Taylor wrote: "I join his family and countless friends in mourning the loss of this gallant and able soldier."
-------------------------------------
Suggested edit from FAG Contributor (47806468)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Henry Thomas Cherry, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Tank Battalion, 10th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces at Neffe Chateau, Belgium, on 19 December 1944. At 0600 hours his Reconnaissance platoon was attacked at an outpost position, forcing the platoon to withdraw towards Bastogne. An enemy force attacked Colonel Cherry's Headquarters Company most of the day and encircled the chateau in which the Command Post was located. The outnumbered Team Cherry was finally reinforced by the 101st Airborne Division at 1430 hours, by which time the Chateau was in flames and the men, their numbers depleted, were no longer able to hold the position. They fought their way out and repositioned themselves at Mont, a small town two miles away. Colonel Cherry led his men in defending the outpost until the end, and then lead his men out of the inferno when the decision was made to regroup at Mont. Lieutenant Colonel Cherry's gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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COL US Army, World War II
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