"He was advancing with Company B across open ground to assault Heckhuscheid, Germany, just after dark when vicious enemy machine gun
fire from a house on the outskirts of the town pinned down the group and
caused several casualties. He began crawling to the edge of the field
in an effort to flank the house, persisting in this maneuver even when
the hostile machine gunners located him by the light of burning buildings
and attempted to cut him down as he made for the protection of some
trees. Reaching safety, he stealthily made his way by a circuitous route
to the rear of the building occupied by the German gunners. With his trench knife
he killed a sentry on guard there and then charged into the darkened
house. In a furious hand-to-hand struggle he stormed about a single room
which harbored 7 Germans. Three he killed with rifle fire, another he
clubbed to death with the butt of his gun, and the 3 others he
dispatched with his .45 caliber pistol.
The fearless initiative, stalwart combat ability, and outstanding
gallantry of Cpl. Bennett eliminated the enemy fire which was decimating
his company's ranks and made it possible for the Americans to sweep all
resistance from the town."
From Corporal Edward A. Bennett's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on October 30, 1945.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
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