World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Denver, Colorado and served as a Private, U .S. Army, Company E, 511th Parachute Infantry, 11th Airborne Division. At Leyte, Philippine Islands, December 8, 1944 his battalion encountered a strongly entrenched Japanese position supported by mortars and automatic weapons. They attacked, but his company was ordered to cover the battalion's withdrawal. Seeing an enemy platoon moving to outflank his company, he moved to higher ground, opened with accurate fire, killing 27 and himself wounded. While assisting wounded to rear an enemy sniper appeared and aimed his weapon at him and his platoon leader. He instantly sprang forward, received the full burst of fire in his own body and fell mortally wounded. With his remaining strength he threw a hand grenade and killed the sniper. Even though his position was overran, he contributed to the success of the battalion's withdrawal and its subsequent attack and defeat of the enemy. His citation was issued on May 9, 1945 and his name is on the wall of the missing at the American Cemetery Manila, Philippine Islands.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Denver, Colorado and served as a Private, U .S. Army, Company E, 511th Parachute Infantry, 11th Airborne Division. At Leyte, Philippine Islands, December 8, 1944 his battalion encountered a strongly entrenched Japanese position supported by mortars and automatic weapons. They attacked, but his company was ordered to cover the battalion's withdrawal. Seeing an enemy platoon moving to outflank his company, he moved to higher ground, opened with accurate fire, killing 27 and himself wounded. While assisting wounded to rear an enemy sniper appeared and aimed his weapon at him and his platoon leader. He instantly sprang forward, received the full burst of fire in his own body and fell mortally wounded. With his remaining strength he threw a hand grenade and killed the sniper. Even though his position was overran, he contributed to the success of the battalion's withdrawal and its subsequent attack and defeat of the enemy. His citation was issued on May 9, 1945 and his name is on the wall of the missing at the American Cemetery Manila, Philippine Islands.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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