"Serving as 57-mm antitank gunner with the 2d Battalion, he was a major
factor in stopping enemy tanks during heavy attacks against the
battalion position near Dom Butgenbach, Belgium, on 20–21 December 1944. In the first attack, launched in the early morning of the 20th, enemy
tanks succeeded in penetrating parts of the line. Cpl. Warner,
disregarding the concentrated cannon and machine gun fire from 2 tanks
bearing down on him, and ignoring the imminent danger of being overrun
by the infantry moving under tank cover, destroyed the first tank and
scored a direct and deadly hit upon the second. A third tank approached
to within 5 yards of his position while he was attempting to clear a
jammed breach lock. Jumping from his gun pit, he engaged in a pistol
duel with the tank commander standing in the turret, killing him and
forcing the tank to withdraw. Following a day and night during which our
forces were subjected to constant shelling, mortar
barrages, and numerous unsuccessful infantry attacks, the enemy struck
in great force on the early morning of the 21st. Seeing a Mark IV
tank looming out of the mist and heading toward his position, Cpl.
Warner scored a direct hit. Disregarding his injuries, he endeavored to
finish the loading and again fire at the tank whose motor was now
aflame, when a second machinegun burst killed him. Cpl. Warner's
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call
of duty contributed materially to the successful defense against the
enemy attacks."
From Cpl. Warner's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on June 23, 1945
May you be at peace,
Brian & Mel
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