World War I Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award from US Army General John J. Pershing on December 31, 1919 for his actions as a private in Company D, 117th Infantry Regiment, Tennessee National Guard, US Army, on October 8, 1918 near Estrees, France during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in the final days of World War I. His unit was brought to a stalemate while engaging the German Army on that day when he and Sergeant James Ernest Karnes decided to take matters into their own hands, fixed their bayonets, charged the enemy's position and captured it. Following the War, he was discharged, then rejoined the Army, but struggled to depression and alcoholism and sadly received a dishonorable discharge in 1930. He died at the age of 68. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he also received the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, the World War I Victory Medal (with Defense Sector clasp), and six different foreign awards. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "During an advance, Pvt. Ward's company was held up by a machinegun, which was enfilading the line. Accompanied by a noncommissioned officer, he advanced against this post and succeeded in reducing the nest by killing 3 and capturing 7 of the enemy and their guns."
World War I Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award from US Army General John J. Pershing on December 31, 1919 for his actions as a private in Company D, 117th Infantry Regiment, Tennessee National Guard, US Army, on October 8, 1918 near Estrees, France during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in the final days of World War I. His unit was brought to a stalemate while engaging the German Army on that day when he and Sergeant James Ernest Karnes decided to take matters into their own hands, fixed their bayonets, charged the enemy's position and captured it. Following the War, he was discharged, then rejoined the Army, but struggled to depression and alcoholism and sadly received a dishonorable discharge in 1930. He died at the age of 68. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he also received the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, the World War I Victory Medal (with Defense Sector clasp), and six different foreign awards. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "During an advance, Pvt. Ward's company was held up by a machinegun, which was enfilading the line. Accompanied by a noncommissioned officer, he advanced against this post and succeeded in reducing the nest by killing 3 and capturing 7 of the enemy and their guns."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
Tennessee
PFC CO D 117 Infantry
World War I
Medal of Honor-Silver Star
Family Members
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