"He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the
enemy near Soy, Belgium, on 23 and 24 December 1944. Serving as lead
scout during an attack to relieve the enemy-encircled town of Hotton,
he aggressively penetrated a densely wooded area, advanced 400 yards
until he came within range of intense enemy rifle fire, and within 20
yards of enemy positions killed 3 snipers with unerring marksmanship.
Courageously continuing his advance an additional 200 yards, he
discovered a hostile machine-gun position and dispatched its 2
occupants. He then located the approximate position of a well-concealed
enemy machine-gun nest, and crawling forward threw hand grenades
which killed two Germans and fatally wounded a third. After signaling
his company to advance, he entered a determined line of enemy defense,
coolly and deliberately shifted his position, and shot 3 more enemy
soldiers. Undaunted by enemy fire, he crawled within 20 yards of a
machine-gun nest, tossed his last hand grenade into the position, and
after the explosion charged the emplacement firing his rifle. When night
fell, he scouted enemy positions alone for several hours and returned
with valuable information which enabled our attacking infantry and armor
to knock out 2 enemy tanks. At daybreak he again led the advance and,
when flanking elements were pinned down by enemy fire, without
hesitation made his way toward a hostile machine-gun position and from a
distance of 50 yards killed the crew and 2 supporting riflemen. The
remainder of the enemy, finding themselves without automatic weapon
support, fled panic stricken. Biddle's intrepid courage and superb
daring during his 20-hour action enabled his battalion to break the
enemy grasp on Hotton with a minimum of casualties."
From Cpl. Melvin E. Biddle's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on October 30, 1945.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
Oral history by Biddle, himself.
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