Monday, July 28, 2014

Medal of Honor Monday: Willibald C. Bianchi



"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy on 3 February 1942, near Bagac, Province of Bataan, Philippine Islands.  When the rifle platoon of another company was ordered to wipe out 2 strong enemy machine gun nests, 1st Lt. Bianchi voluntarily and of his own initiative, advanced with the platoon leading part of the men.  When wounded early in the action by 2 bullets through the left hand, he did not stop for first aid but discarded his rifle and began firing a pistol.  He located a machine gun nest and personally silenced it with grenades.  When wounded the second time by 2 machine gun bullets through the chest muscles, 1st Lt. Bianchi climbed to the top of an American tank, manned its antiaircraft machine gun, and fired into strongly held enemy position until knocked completely off the tank by a third severe wound."

From 1st Lieutenant Willibald C. Bianchi's Medal of Honor citation, awarded in 1946.
  
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian

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