Wooldridge, William, SMA

Deceased
 
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Last Rank
Sergeant Major Of The Army
Last Service Branch
Sergeant Major of the Army
Last Primary MOS
00Z-Command Sergeant Major IN
Last MOS Group
Infantry
Primary Unit
1969-1972, Army Garrison White Sands Missile Range (WSMR)
Service Years
1940 - 1972
Official/Unofficial US Army Certificates
Cold War Certificate
Sergeant Major of the Army
Sergeant Major Of The Army
Ten Service Stripes
Ten Overseas Service Bars

 Last Photo   Personal Details 

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Home State
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Year of Birth
1922
 
This Military Service Page was created/owned by SPC Luis Miguel Santos (Memorial Team Leader) to remember Wooldridge, William (1st SMA), SMA USA(Ret).

If you knew or served with this Soldier and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
 
Contact Info
Last Address
Shawnee
Date of Passing
Mar 12, 2012
 
Location of Interment
Fort Bliss National Cemetery (VA) - Fort Bliss, Texas

 Official Badges 

1st Infantry Division Army Staff Identification Belgian Fourragere Infantry Shoulder Cord

US Army Retired (Pre-2007) Meritorious Unit Commendation French Fourragere


 Unofficial Badges 




 Military Associations and Other Affiliations
National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
  2012, National Cemetery Administration (NCA)


 Additional Information
Last Known Activity:

 

William O. Wooldridge

1st Sergeant Major of the Army

OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY


William O. Wooldridge, the first sergeant major of the Army, was sworn in on July 11, 1966, and served until his term ended in August of 1968. He was born in Shawnee, Okla., on August 12, 1922.

He entered the Army on Nov. 11, 1940, at Fort Worth, Texas. His early assignments were with the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division and detached service with British forces in Iceland in 1941 and 1942. In 1942 he was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division in Europe and participated in the North Africa and Sicily Campaigns and the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. In October 1944 he was wounded during the battle for the fortress city of Aachen and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. He received his second Silver Star in the Battle of the Bulge Campaign in December 1944. Upon his return to the United States in May 1945, SMA Wooldridge was assigned to numerous posts. He then served a brief tour with Post Headquarters at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and in 1947 was assigned to Japan, where he served with Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army. Wooldridge was again assigned to the 1st Infantry Division in July 1949, as first sergeant for Company K, 26th Infantry Regiment, then stationed in Germany.

Returning to the United States in May, 1954, he was assigned as first sergeant of Company G, 3rd Infantry, Fort McNair. He returned to the "Big Red One" as first sergeant of Company D, 26th Infantry, at Fort Riley, Kan., in December 1955. He was appointed sergeant major of the 3rd Battalion, 26th Infantry, on Dec. 20, 1956. In 1957 he became sergeant major of the 2nd Battle Group, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, at Fort Riley . In December 1958 he was assigned with the 2nd Battle Group, 28th Infantry, to the 24th Infantry Division in Germany. He became the 24th Infantry Division sergeant major in March, 1963. Wooldridge returned once again to the 1st Infantry Division as sergeant major of the 1st Brigade, Fort Riley, in January 1965. He was appointed division sergeant major in June 1965 and was deployed to Vietnam with the division in August 1965.

Upon completion of his term as sergeant major of the Army in 1968, he returned once again to Vietnam as sergeant major of the Military Assistance Command-Vietnam. Upon his return stateside he was assigned to the White Sands Missile Range in the fall of 1969, and after 30 years and ten months of service retired at Fort MacArthur, Calif., on Feb.1, 1972.

Wooldridge's awards and decorations include the Silver Star (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal (with Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), American Defense Service Medal, European - African - Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Germany and Japan), Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge with Star. He is also authorized to wear unit decorations from the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and the Republic of Vietnam.


Army News Service

WASHINGTON -- The first sergeant major of the Army, William O. Wooldridge, died Monday in El Paso, Texas, at age 89.
When Wooldridge beat out 4,700 candidates in 1966 for a new position created by the chief of staff of the Army, he had been serving for a year as 1st Infantry Division sergeant major in the Republic of Vietnam.
"SMA Wooldridge was a one-of-a-kind noncommissioned officer, selected to be the first sergeant major of the Army because of his initiative, intelligence, experience and drive to excel," said current Sgt. Maj. or the Army Raymond F. Chandler III. "His lasting impression lives on in the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, the centralized NCO promotion system, and our professional NCO Corps."
"He was an innovator, a true inspiration to Soldiers, and the epitome of a professional warrior. Our hearts and prayers go out to Patty and the rest of the Wooldridge family during this difficult time," said Chandler, the 14th SMA.
Wooldridge served as sergeant major of the Army from July 11, 1966, after leaving Vietnam and arriving at the Pentagon in his jungle fatigues, through September 1968 and is credited with improving the status of the noncommissioned Officers Corps.
He did this by:
• Starting the first Major Command Sergeants Major Conference in 1966 which resulted in a multitude of proposals to enhance and improve the training, morale and readiness of noncommissioned officers across the Army
• Recommending the Sergeants Major Academy
• Recommending the command sergeant major program
• Recommending the standardized NCO promotion process
After serving as sergeant major of the Army, Wooldridge returned to Vietnam as sergeant major of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam, becoming the only SMA to return to field duty after serving in the top enlisted position.
Born Aug. 12, 1922, near Shawnee, Okla., Wooldridge's family moved about five years later to his father's home state of Texas where he later enlisted in the Army after persuading his dad to let him go.
"I had this one thing on my mind," said Wooldridge in a Feb. 2001 interview with Sgt. Maj. Don Elder from the Center of Military History, "I wanted to wear a Soldier uniform. I wanted to be a Soldier, and I wanted to get the hell out of Brown County, Texas.
The interview was conducted at Wooldridge's quarters in Santa Teresa, N.M., near El Paso.
He enlisted at Fort Worth, Texas on Nov. 11, 1940 and served until 1972, amassing a much-decorated career over three wars and 14 campaigns.
He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry at the battle for Aachen, Germany in October 1944 and also received a Purple Heart for injuries. He was awarded a second Silver Star for gallantry during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, while serving as a platoon sergeant.
As sergeant major of the Army, Wooldridge traveled wherever Soldiers were stationed to listen to their concerns while strengthening and preserving the rich history of the NCO Corps, "the backbone of the Army."
Wooldridge retired in 1972 after more than 30 years of service. He lived in Santa Teresa, N.M. He died Monday night at Beaumont Army Medical Center on Fort Bliss, Texas, and is survived by his wife Patty. Funeral services are still pending.


 

   
Other Comments:

Wooldridge was chosen for this important new position from thousands of nominees. He served as Sergeant Major of the Army until September 1968. He is credited with improving the status of the non-commissioned officers by convening the first Major Command Sergeants Major Conference and recommending the Noncommissioned Officer Candidate Course, the Sergeants Major Academy, the Command Sergeant Major program, and a standardized NCO promotion process. Wooldridge and General Johnson worked together as an effective professional team. He came to revere Johnson, calling him "the finest officer I ever served with in my life".

After serving as Sergeant Major of the Army, Wooldridge returned to Vietnam as sergeant major of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MAC-V). He is the only SMA to return to field duty after serving in the top enlisted position.

Now retired, Wooldridge volunteers his time at the United States Army’s Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas, in classroom visits and discussions with non-commissioned officers. He provides an historical prospective on many military issues.

From 1966 until 1979, the Sergeant Major of the Army wore the standard Command Sergeant Major rank insignia.

The insignia worn by SMA Wooldridge was hand-soldered by Colonel Jasper J. Wilson from a canibalised aide's insignia and enlisted collar brass. The insignia was approved on 4 July 1966.


The rank and position were based on those of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, established in its current incarnation on 23 May 1957. The Chief of Staff, Army, created the position in 1966, after asking leaders of the major commands for a personal recommendation. He asked that it not be considered a near retirement type assignment. He listed seven duties and functions he expected the sergeant major to perform, including service as a personal advisor and assistant to the Chief of Staff on matters pertaining to enlisted soldiers. 

The other services soon followed, creating the positions of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force in 1967, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard in 1969, and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2005. These six positions are collectively referred to as "senior enlisted advisors" ("SEAs").

Pay Grade

The Sergeant Major of the Army and the other five SEAs hold pay grade E-9, as all sergeants major and command sergeants major; however, in accordance with 37 U.S.C. § 1009, Schedule 10, an SEA's base pay is US$6,875.10 per month (US$82,501.20 per annum), regardless of the incumbent's service longevity. For comparison, any other E-9, even with the maximum forty years of service, would receive US$6,605.40 per month.

In addition to his base pay and normal tax-free allowances, the SMA and the other SEAs are each entitled to a special tax-free allowance of US$2,000.00 per annum, in accordance with 37 U.S.C. § 414(c).

Insignia

 
Sergeant Major of the Army branch of service collar insignia
 
Sergeant Major of the Army cap device

Like his counterparts in the other branches, the Sergeant Major of the Army wears a unique rank insignia, including a unique collar insignia ("brass").

The SMA's rank insignia, like those of all Army sergeants major, consists of three chevrons above three "rockers". Whereas other sergeants major have one star in the center, the SMA has two. Similarly, the rank insignia of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force each have one star more than other sergeants major, master chiefs, or chief master sergeants of their respective service. Since 1994, the two stars have flanked a rendering of the United States Coat of Arms, as do the stars of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (the stars of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps similarly flank the Marine Corps' emblem).

The collar insignia of the SMA is the shield portion of the collar insignia of an aide-de-camp to the Army Chief of Staff (less the surmounting eagle), placed upon an enlisted collar disk of gold color, one inch in diameter. 

The insignia worn by SMA Wooldridge was hand-soldered by Colonel Jasper J. Wilson from a canibalised aide's insignia and enlisted collar brass. The insignia was approved on 4 July 1966.

Originally, the SMA would wear the device on each collar, but he now wears the standard "U.S." disk on his right collar as do all enlisted soldiers. This insignia is also worn in place of a unit insignia on the SMA's beret, garrison cap, and pull-over sweater. The collar insignia of the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman ("SEAC") of the JCS, approved 2 February 2006, is based directly upon that of the SMA, and features the shield of an aide de camp to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (without the surmounting eagle), on a gold-colored disk.

The SMA's cap device, worn on the front of the blue service cap (and, formerly, the white service cap; and, until 2011 the green service cap) is a gold-colored rendering of the United States' coat of arms, surrounded by a wreath. The cap device for all other U.S. Army enlisted soldiers is a gold-colored rendering of the United States' coat of arms on a gold-colored disk (males) or surrounded by a gold colored ring (females). The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force has the same cap device as the SMA, but in silver-colored metal.

   

   1942-1945, 1st Infantry Division

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 1st Infantry Division Details

1st Infantry Division

                                                                
              
                                  







The 1st Infantry Division is a combined arms division of the United States Army, and is the oldest continuously serving in the Regular Army.It has seen continuous service since its organization in 1917 during World War I. The First Expeditionary Division, was designated the 1st Infantry Division, and constituted on May 24,1917
in the regular Army. And was organized on June 8 1917,at Fort Jay,
on Governors Island in New York Harbor under the command of Brigadier General William L. Sibert, from Army units then in service on the Mexico - United States border and at various Army posts throughout the United States. 

 

The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division (aka, "Devil Brigade") It is the oldest permanent brigade in the Army and has some of the oldest units in the United States Army.
Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 1st Brigade served in World War I, Vietnam, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Its most notable campaigns include the Aisne-Marne, Meuse-Argonne, Picardy, Tet Counteroffensive and the Liberation and Defense of Kuwait. Since Desert Storm, the "Devil Brigade" has deployed to Bosnia, Kuwait, and to Korea to participate in a 2nd Infantry Division exercise.


The first units sailed from New York City and Hoboken, New Jersey, on June 14 1917. Throughout the remainder of the year, the rest of the division followed, landing at St. Nazaire, France, and Liverpool, England. After a brief stay in rest camps, the troops in England proceeded to France, landing at Le Havre. The last unit arrived in St. Nazaire 22 December. Upon arrival in France, the division, less its artillery, was assembled in the First (Gondrecourt) training area, and the artillery was at Le Valdahon.




Nickname(s) :        "The Big Red One"   "The Bloody First "


Motto(s) :                 No Mission Too Difficult. No Sacrifice Too Great. 
                                  Duty First !

       



Notable Persons:

 


Cammander: Major General Charles P Summerall  ,(March 4, 1867 May 14, 1955) was a senior United States Army officer. Summerall commanded the 1st Infantry Division in World War I, was Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1926 and 1930, and was President of The Citadel between 1931 and 1953.Summerall commanded the 67th Field Artillery Brigade and the 1st Field Artillery Brigade in operations in France in 1917, was promoted to major general in the National Army, and successively commanded his brigade, the 1st Division, and V Corps, in the CantignySoissonsSt. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne operations in 1918. "Late on November 9th, instructions from the Allied Commander-In-Chief were transmitted by G.H.Q., A.E.F., directing a general attack, which was executed by the First Army on November 10th-11th. Crossings of the Meuse were secured by General Summerall's (V) Corps during the night of November 10th-11th and the remainder of the army advanced on the whole front."  Summerall's actions on November 10th-11th resulted in over eleven hundred American casualties. Some have criticized the allied operations in the final days of the war, including those ordered by Summerall, as causing unnecessary loss of life, but they are more understandable in the context of previous failed peace attempts and rumors. 
                     

Summerall was admired by many as a gifted leader with great personal integrity. General John Pershing, in a hand-written dedication to the official Report of the First Army, wrote in 1924: "To Major General Charles P. Summerall, whose loyal and distinguished services as Brigade, Division, and Corps Commander during Allied operations of the American Expedition army forces in the World War will ever remain the pride of his associates and will ever mark him as one of the outstanding figures of that great struggle. Especially will his name be linked with the wonderful achievements of the First Division which exemplifies his character as a soldier and a leader."



 

Charles Pelot Summerall    
Charles P. Summerall.jpg    
   
   

 


Commander : Major General Frank Parker (September 21, 1872 March 13, 1947) was a Major General in the United States Army.His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal,  2 silver star citations, and numerous foreign decorations and civilian accolades.
With the American entry into World War I in 1917, Parker was promoted to brigadier general, and was the commander 18th Infantry and 1st Infantry Brigade and then was appointed commander, 1st Division, A.E.F., in October 1918.

He was recommended for promotion to major general by General Pershing, but the Armistice stopped all promotions of general officers. In 1920, he graduated from the École Supérieure de Guerre, France and remained there as a professor while a student at the Centre des Hautes tudes, 1920-21. Then, he graduated and instructed at the Command and Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, 1922, graduate and instructor, Army War College, 1923 to 1924. From 1925 to  1927 he commanded a brigade of the 1st Division.




1st Infantry Division
 

Brigadier general Parker at his Headquarters in France early 1919



Commander:  Major General Edward Fenton McGlachlin Jr. (June 9, 1868  November 9, 1946) was a Major General in the United States Army during World War I. He was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his World War I service, including the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, and for commanding the 1st Infantry Division during the post-war occupation of Germany.

McGlachlin was promoted to brigadier general on August 5, 1917, and commanded the 165th Field Artillery Brigade, 90th Division at Camp Travis, Texas during its initial organization and training.
n December 1917 he assumed command of the 57th Field Artillery Brigade, 32nd Division  at Camp MacArthur, Texas. Upon arriving in France in March 1918, he was assigned to command of the 66th Field Artillery Brigade, 31st Division.

  McGlachlin was subsequently promoted to major general and assigned as Chief of Artillery for I Corps. He was later appointed Chief of Artillery for First Army, and he served in that position until the end of the war. He commanded 1st Division near the end of the war, and American Forces in Germany during the post-war Allied occupation of the Rhineland.

 

Edward F. McGlachlin Jr.           
Edward F. McGlachlin, Jr. (U.S. Army General).jpg

1st Infantry Division 


World War 1 MOH Recipients:

MOH Recipient: 2nd LT Samuel Iredell Parker (1891, in Monroe, North Carolina  1975, in Concord, North Carolina) was the most "highly decorated" United States Army soldier of World War I.For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. During the attack the 2d and 3d Battalions of the 28th Infantry were merged, and after several hours of severe fighting, successfully established a frontline position. In so doing, a gap was left between the right flank of the French 153d Division on their left and the left flank of the 28th Infantry, exposing the left flank to a terrific enfilade fire from several enemy machineguns located in a rock quarry on high ground. 2d Lt. Parker, observing this serious situation, ordered his depleted platoon to follow him in an attack upon the strong point. Meeting a disorganized group of French Colonials wandering leaderlessly about, he persuaded them to join his platoon. This consolidated group followed 2d Lt. Parker through direct enemy rifle and machinegun fire to the crest of the hill, and rushing forward, took the quarry by storm, capturing 6 machineguns and about 40 prisoners. The next day when the assault was continued, 2d Lt. Parker in command of the merged 2d and 3d Battalions was in support of the 1st Battalion. Although painfully wounded in the foot, he refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his command until the objective was reached. Seeing that the assault battalion was subjected to heavy enfilade fire due to a gap between it and the French on its left, 2d Lt. Parker led his battalion through this heavy fire up on the line to the left of the 1st Battalion and thereby closed the gap, remaining in command of his battalion until the newly established lines of the 28th Infantry were thoroughly consolidated. In supervising the consolidation of the new position, 2d Lt. Parker was compelled to crawl about on his hands and knees on account of his painful wound. His conspicuous gallantry and spirit of self-sacrifice were a source of great inspiration to the members of the entire command.
Parker's other awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, two awards of the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, two Purple Hearts, and the Croix de Guerre.
 


 

Samuel Iredell Parker
Samuel Iredell Parker.jpg

 

 

                                                                    

                                                                   

 

 

 

 


MOH Recipient: PVT Sterling Morelock, U.S. Army, Company M, 28th Infantry, 1st Division.While his company was being held up by heavy enemy fire, Pvt. Morelock, with 3 other men who were acting as runners at company headquarters, voluntarily led them as a patrol in advance of his company's frontline through an intense rifle, artillery, and machinegun fire and penetrated a woods which formed the German frontline. Encountering a series of 5 hostile machinegun nests, containing from 1 to 5 machineguns each, with his patrol he cleaned them all out, gained and held complete mastery of the situation until the arrival of his company commander with reinforcements, even though his entire party had become casualties. He rendered first aid to the injured and evacuated them by using stretcher bearers 10 German prisoners whom he had captured. Soon thereafter his company commander was wounded and while dressing his wound Pvt. Morelock was very severely wounded in the hip, which forced his evacuation. His heroic action and devotion to duty were an inspiration to the entire regiment.


 

 

PVT Sterling Lewis Morelock.

 
 
 


MOH Recipient: PFC Daniel R. Edwards:  (April 9, 1897 October 21, 1967) was an American soldier serving in the United States Army. U.S. Army, Company C, 3d Machine Gun Battalion, 1st Division. Near Soissons, France,  graduated from the Columbia University School of Journalism. He enlisted in the United States Army in April 1917, on the day the United States entered World War I. He was sent to France as a member of the U.S. 1st Infantry Division, where he performed the actions that earned him the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star. Reporting for duty from hospital where he had been for several weeks under treatment for numerous and serious wounds and although suffering intense pain from a shattered arm, he crawled alone into an enemy trench for the purpose of capturing or killing enemy soldiers known to be concealed therein. He killed 4 of the men and took the remaining 4 men prisoners; while conducting them to the rear one of the enemy was killed by a high explosive enemy shell which also completely shattered 1 of Pfc. Edwards' legs, causing him to be immediately evacuated to the hospital. The bravery of Pfc. Edwards, now a tradition in his battalion because of his previous gallant acts, again caused the morale of his comrades to be raised to high pitch.


Related image
Major Daniel R. Edwards.


MOH Recipient: SGT Michael B. Ellis (October 28, 1894 December 9, 1937) was a United States Army sergeant He served with Company K, 7th Infantry, along the border with Mexico and at Veracruz. When his three-year term of service expired, Ellis received an honorable discharge, but after six months of civilian life he re-enlisted.Sent to France as a private in Company C, 28th Infantry1st Division, he saw front-line action for 200 days near Soissons and was awarded the Silver Star. He was promoted to corporal on April 16, 1917, and to sergeant a month later. The official record of the War Department states: 
He showed unusual courage in carrying supplies and in attacking strong points at Brouil, Pleissy, and Berney-le-Sac. Our allies, recognizing Sergeant Ellis' bravery, awarded him the Chevalier Legion of Honor of France, and the Croix de Guerre with Palm, the Cross of War of Italy, Cross of War of Poland and Recognition by the Moroccan Government, two medals, Senior and Junior.
On October 5, 1918, Ellis' division was participating in the Hundred Days Offensive near Exermont in northeast France. Ellis advanced ahead of his company and single-handedly attacked several German machine gun nests. In total, he silenced eleven machine guns and captured dozens of enemy soldiers. After many campaigns throughout France, he was promoted to first sergeant. In August 1919, he returned to St. Louis, where General John J. Pershing presented him with the Medal of Honor for his actions near Exermont. He was the only soldier in Pershing's 1st Division to receive this honor.

Michael B. Ellis - Soldiers all; portraits and sketches of the men of the A. E. F. (1920) (14782222305).jpg
Michael B. Ellis 


World War 11


MOH Recipients: Technical Sergeant Francis J. Clark (19121981) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decorationthe Medal of Honor for his actions in World War II. in Company K, 109th Infantry Regiment28th Infantry Division. On that day, near KalbornLuxembourg, he crawled through open terrain to reach a platoon which had been pinned down by heavy fire, led them to safety, and then returned to rescue a wounded man. Five days later, near Sevenig (Our) Germany, he single-handedly attacked a German machine gun position and then assumed command of two leaderless platoons. Although wounded, he refused medical evacuation, attacked two more German machine gun positions alone, and carried supplies through hostile fire to an isolated platoon. For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor a year later, on September 10, 1945.


 

Francis J. Clark.                  
Francis J. Clark (Medal of Honor recipient).jpg

                                                                     

 MOH Recipient: PFC Francis Xavier McGraw [1] (April 29, 1918 November 19, 1944) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest in World War II. in Company H, 26th Infantry Regiment1st Infantry Division. At that time, the 26th Regiment was fighting in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, a grueling dense-forest offensive near the German-Belgian border. During a German counterattack on that day, near SchevenhütteGermany, he manned his machine gun despite intense enemy fire and left cover in order to retrieve more ammunition. Although wounded, he continued to fire his machine gun until again running out of ammunition. He then engaged the German troops with a carbine, but was subsequently killed. For these gallant actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on October 25, 1945.


Related image  

Francis X. McGraw


MOH Recipient: PVT James William Reese (April 16, 1920 August 5, 1943) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decorationthe Medal of Honor for his actions in World War II during the Battle of Troina in the Sicily campaign. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty in action involving actual conflict with the enemy. When the enemy launched a counterattack which threatened the position of his company, Pvt. Reese, as the acting squad leader of a 60-mm. mortarsquad, displaying superior leadership on his own initiative, maneuvered his squad forward to a favorable position, from which, by skillfully directing the fire of his weapon, he caused many casualties in the enemy ranks, and aided materially in repulsing the counterattack. When the enemy fire became so severe as to make his position untenable, he ordered the other members of his squad to withdraw to a safer position, but declined to seek safety for himself. So as to bring more effective fire upon the enemy, Pvt. Reese, without assistance, moved his mortar to a new position and attacked an enemy machinegun nest. He had only 3 rounds of ammunition but secured a direct hit with his last round, completely destroying the nest and killing the occupants. Ammunition being exhausted, he abandoned the mortar, seized a rifle and continued to advance, moving into an exposed position overlooking the enemy. Despite a heavy concentration of machinegun, mortar, and artillery fire, the heaviest experienced by his unit throughout the entire Sicilian campaign, he remained at this position and continued to inflict casualties upon the enemy until he was killed. His bravery, coupled with his gallant and unswerving determination to close with the enemy, regardless of consequences and obstacles which he faced, are a priceless inspiration to our armed forces.



James William Reese
James William Reese
 


Vietnam War 


MOH Recipient: LTC 
Charles Calvin Rogers (September 6, 1929 September 21, 1990) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of America's highest military decoration the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War.For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Lt. Col. Rogers, Field Artillery, distinguished himself in action while serving as commanding officer, 1st Battalion, during the defense of a forward fire support base. In the early morning hours, the fire support base was subjected to a concentrated bombardment of heavy mortarrocket and rocket propelled grenade fire. Simultaneously the position was struck by a human waveground assault, led by sappers who breached the defensive barriers with bangalore torpedoes and penetrated the defensive perimeter. Lt. Col. Rogers with complete disregard for his safety moved through the hail of fragments from bursting enemy rounds to the embattled area. He aggressively rallied the dazed artillery crewmen to man their howitzers and he directed their fire on the assaulting enemy. Although knocked to the ground and wounded by an exploding round, Lt. Col. Rogers sprang to his feet and led a small counterattack force against an enemy element that had penetrated the howitzer positions. Although painfully wounded a second time during the assault, Lt. Col. Rogers pressed the attack killing several of the enemy and driving the remainder from the positions. Refusing medical treatment, Lt. Col. Rogers reestablished and reinforced the defensive positions. As a second human wave attack was launched against another sector of the perimeter, Lt. Col. Rogers directed artillery fire on the assaulting enemy and led a second counterattack against the charging forces. His valorous example rallied the beleaguered defenders to repulse and defeat the enemy onslaught. Lt. Col. Rogers moved from position to position through the heavy enemy fire, giving encouragement and direction to his men. At dawn the determined enemy launched a third assault against the fire base in an attempt to overrun the position. Lt. Col. Rogers moved to the threatened area and directed lethal fire on the enemy forces. Seeing a howitzer inoperative due to casualties, Lt. Col. Rogers joined the surviving members of the crew to return the howitzer to action. While directing the position defense, Lt. Col. Rogers was seriously wounded by fragments from a heavy mortar round which exploded on the parapet of the gun position. Although too severely wounded to physically lead the defenders, Lt. Col. Rogers continued to give encouragement and direction to his men in the defeating and repelling of the enemy attack. Lt. Col. Rogers' dauntless courage and heroism inspired the defenders of the fire support base to the heights of valor to defeat a determined and numerically superior enemy force. His relentless spirit of aggressiveness in action are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.


 

Major General (Ret) Charles C. Rogers
Charles C. Rogers (MOH).jpg
Charles Rogers as a brigadier general

Type
Support
 
Parent Unit
Infantry Divisions
Strength
Division
Created/Owned By
Sanchez, Gilbert, Sr., PFC 14
   

Last Updated: Mar 20, 2018
   
   
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123 Members Also There at Same Time
1st Infantry Division

Allen, Terry De La Mesa, MG, (1912-1946) Major General
Andrus, Clift, MG, (1912-1952) USA 0002 Major General
Ord, James Garesche, MG, (1909-1946) Brigadier General
Roosevelt, Theodore, Jr., BG, (1916-1944) Brigadier General
Taylor, George, BG, (1922-1946) USA 0002 Brigadier General
Wyman, Willard Gordon, GEN, (1918-1958) USA 0002 Brigadier General
DeShazo, Thomas, MG, (1917-1960) FA 1193 Colonel
Mason, Stanhope, MG, (1943-1945) 2010 Colonel
Bennett, Donald Vivian, GEN, (1940-1974) Lieutenant Colonel
Ciccolella, Richard, MG, (1941-1973) IN 1542 Lieutenant Colonel
Mathews, John Hobert, LTC, (1931-1944) IN 1542 Lieutenant Colonel
York, Robert Howard, MG, (1938-1968) IN 1560 Lieutenant Colonel
Adams, Francis Woodrow, MAJ, (1938-1944) IN Major
Lord Jr, Kenneth, COL, (1937-1976) IM 2162 Major
Mount, Charles McNeal, MG, (1939-1972) IN 1542 Major
Juskalian, George, COL, (1936-1967) USA 0002 Captain
Landess, Robert Henderson, CPT, (1937-1942) IN 1542 Captain
Taynton, Lewis Clark, COL, (1939-1965) Captain
York, Robert Howard, MG, (1938-1968) IN 1560 Captain
Box, Simeon Alexander, 1LT, (1942-1943) EN 1221 First Lieutenant
Brown, Robert Evan, CPT, (1918-1952) IN 1542 First Lieutenant
Gorniak, Joseph, 1LT, (1942-1946) First Lieutenant
Monteith, Jimmie Waters, 1LT, (1941-1944) IN 1542 First Lieutenant
Mount, Charles McNeal, MG, (1939-1972) First Lieutenant
Robinson, James, 1LT, (1941-1944) IN First Lieutenant
Baden, Robert Eugene, COL, (1939-1968) IN 1560 Second Lieutenant
Davis, George Lathrop, 2LT, (1942-1943) IN 1542 Second Lieutenant
Mount, Charles McNeal, MG, (1939-1972) IN 1542 Second Lieutenant
Van Dusen, Theodore Wesely, 2LT, (1942-1945) Second Lieutenant
Torres, Jesus Rodriguez, S/SGT, (1923-1943) Staff Sergeant
Hough, Michael Peter, PFC, (1967-1968) IN 11B10 Private First Class
Stiefer, Floyd, PVT Private (E-2)
Pusic, Joseph T., M/SGT, (1942-1946) IN 745 Master Sergeant
Tate, Frank, M/SGT, (1935-1949) SC 542 Master Sergeant
Hull, Allan, T/SGT, (1943-1945) MI 631 Technical Sergeant
John, Chrenka, T/SGT, (1942-1945) IN 745 Technical Sergeant
Loeffler, Edward J., T/SGT, (1945-1946) IN 745 Technical Sergeant
Adams, James, S/SGT, (1942-1944) Staff Sergeant
Coyle, Marcus Wayne, COL, (1944-1971) IN 605 Staff Sergeant
Graves, Jeremy, S/SGT, (1942-1944) IN 745 Staff Sergeant
LaMarre, James Gerald, S/SGT, (1942-1945) Staff Sergeant
Smith, Dana, 1SG, (1940-1963) IN 745 Staff Sergeant
Wells, James A., S/SGT, (1940-1944) IN 745 Staff Sergeant
Corrall, Frank B., SGT, (1944-1946) AG 55 Sergeant
Coyle, Marcus Wayne, COL, (1944-1971) MD 657 Sergeant
Eder, Archie Lewis, SGT, (1943-1945) Sergeant
Gauer, Clinton E., SGT, (1944-1946) IN 745 Sergeant
Gris, Henry C, SGM, (1942-1968) IN 745 Sergeant
Guymon, Vernon, SGT, (1939-1941) IM 566 Sergeant
Hammond, Richard Gibbs, SGT, (1941-1944) AR 610 Sergeant
Klempner, Jack, SGT, (1940-1945) UN 00E Sergeant
Kolanda, Charles J., SGT, (1940-1944) Sergeant
Kriner, Orville Charles, SGT, (1937-1943) Sergeant
Landry, Robert Anthony, SFC, (1941-1968) AG 71H20 Sergeant
Moots Sr., Harold, SGT, (1942-1945) Sergeant
Park, James Kenneth, SGT, (1942-1944) IN 745 Sergeant
Williams, Wilbur, SGT, (1942-1944) Sergeant
Paparteys, Vincent, T/4, (1940-1945) Technician Fourth Grade
Dudley, Eldridge Clair, COL, (1941-1971) IN 521 Corporal

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