[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 72 (Friday, June 10, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[Congressional Record: June 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
THE MEN OF D-DAY
Mr. DOLE. Madam President, earlier this week I had the honor to be
present for ceremonies commemorating the 50th anniversary of D-day. I
stood at Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, and the American cemetery at
Colleville, reflecting on the sacrifice of Americans, Poles, British,
Canadians, French, and many more who fought and died on the beaches of
Normandy. Earlier, I was in Italy for ceremonies commemorating the
landings at Anzio and Nettuno, and for the liberation of Rome.
The importance of the ceremonies was brought home to me when a young
American lady--traveling with her grandfather, a veteran of D-day--said
to me: ``I never understood the meaning of American leadership until I
came to Normandy.''
Leadership is what D-day was all about and it is a lesson that spans
generations. Many nations contributed, but D-day never would have
happened without American leadership--at all levels. American
leadership from the man from Abilene, Dwight David Eisenhower, who
commanded allied forces on D-day, to Walt Ehlers, a humble sergeant
from Junction City, KS.
We all know the story of General Eisenhower--his careful planning,
and his agonizing decision to move ahead with the landing despite a
less than ideal weather forecast. However, other stories of American
leadership in D-day are not as well known.
The story of Walt Ehlers is told in a pamphlet I read this week,
describing Congressional Medal of Honor winners during the Normandy
campaign. The stories of heroism and bravery are in the finest
tradition of American military leadership. The story of Lt. Col. Leon
Vance who landed his bomber despite serious wounds which prevented him
from even looking out the plane's windshield. The story of Lt. Jimmie
Montieth who rallied troops in the critical first hours at Omaha Beach,
led tanks through minefields, and made the Ultimate sacrifice on June
6, 1944.
All American military units had their share of heroes. The 10th
Mountain Division in which I served in Italy, had many. Men like Pvt.
John McGrath, the 10th's only Medal of Honor winner. On Hill 909 on
April 14, 1944, Private McGrath captured two German machinegun
positions and led his company after the commander had been killed.
Private McGrath Lost his life later that day trying to gather a
casualty report of his fallen comrades.
Much has been said and written about D-day in the last few weeks. But
no stories are more eloquent than the stories of the Normandy Medal of
Honor winners. Last Saturday after the liberation of Rome ceremonies,
and again last Monday before the Omaha Beach ceremonies, I had the
honor and the privilege of meeting Walt Ehlers, the hero from Kansas,
and the only surviving Medal of Honor winner from the Normandy
campaign. The world watched last Monday as Walt Ehlers spoke on Omaha
Beach exactly 50 years after he landed on the shores of Europe. Walt
Ehlers lost a brother that day in the fighting. Today, he is a
grandfather who speaks not of the glory of war, but of the honor of
scarifice--sacrifice which made the world safe for his grandchildren
and for future generations of Americans.
I salute all the veterans of World War Two--those of Normandy and the
European Theater, those in my part of the war in Italy, and those in
the Pacific Theater.
Madam President, I ask consent that the stories of the American
heroes who were awarded the Medal of Honor in the Normandy campaign be
printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
[From ``The Congressional Medal of Honor: The Names, the Deeds'']
Heroes
D-DAY
Vance, Leon R., Jr. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Corps,
489th Bomber Group.
Place and date: Over Wimeraux, France, 5 June 1944.
Entered service at: Garden City, N.Y.
Born: 11 August 1916, Enid, Okla.
G.O. No.: 1, 4 January 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above
and beyond the call of duty on 5 June 1944, when he led a
Heavy Bombardment Group, in an attack against defended enemy
coastal positions in the vicinity of Wimeraux, France.
Approaching the target, his aircraft was hit repeatedly by
antiaircraft fire which seriously crippled the ship, killed
the pilot, and wounded several members of the crew, including
Lt. Col. Vance, whose right foot was practically severed. In
spite of his injury, and with 3 engines lost to the flak, he
led his formation over the target, bombing it successfully.
After applying a tourniquet to his leg with the aid of the
radar operator, Lt. Col. Vance, realizing that the ship was
approaching a stall altitude with the 1 remaining engine
failing, struggled to a semi-upright position beside the
copilot and took over control of the ship. Cutting the power
and feathering the last engine he put the aircraft in glide
sufficiently steep to maintain his airspeed. Gradually losing
altitude, he at last reached the English coast, whereupon he
ordered all members of the crew to bail out as he knew they
would all safely make land. But he received a message over
the interphone system which led him to believe 1 of the
crewmembers was unable to jump due to injuries; so he made
the decision to ditch the ship in the channel, thereby giving
this man a chance for life. To add further to the danger of
ditching the ship in his crippled condition, there was a 500-
pound bomb hung up in the bomb bay. Unable to climb into the
seat vacated by the copilot, since his foot, hanging on to
his leg by a few tendons, had become lodged behind the
copilot's seat, he nevertheless made a successful ditching
while lying on the floor using only aileron and elevators for
control and the side window of the cockpit for visual
reference. On coming to rest in the water the aircraft
commenced to sink rapidly with Lt. Col. Vance pinned in the
cockpit by the upper turret which had crashed in during the
landing. As it was settling beneath the waves an explosion
occurred which threw Lt. Col. Vance clear of the wreckage.
After clinging to a piece of floating wreckage until he could
muster enough strength to inflate his life vest he begain
searching for the crewmember whom he believed to be aboard.
Failing to find anyone he began swimming and was found
approximately 50 minutes later by an Air-Sea Rescue craft. By
his extraordinary flying skill and gallant leadership,
despite his grave injury, Lt. Col. Vance led his formation to
a successful bombing of the assigned target and returned the
crew to a point where they could bail out with safety. His
gallant and valorous decision to ditch the aircraft in order
to give the crewmember he believed to be aboard a chance for
life exemplifies the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed
Forces.
Roosevelt, Theodore, Jr.
Rank and organization: Brigadier General, U.S. Army.
Place and date: Normandy Invasion, 6 June 1944.
Entered Service at: Oyster Bay, N.Y.
Birth: Oyster Bay, N.Y.
G.O. No.: 77, 28 September 1944.
Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in
France. After 2 verbal requests to accompany the leading
assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied,
Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was
approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces
assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups
from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland.
His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the
attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire
inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-
sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant
direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to
another, rallying men around him, directed and personally
unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong
points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He
thus contributed substantially to the successful
establishment of the beachhead in France.
Pinder, John J., Jr.
Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army,
16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, 6 June
1944.
Entered service at: Burgettstown, Pa.
Birth: McKees Rock, Pa.
G.O. No.: 1, 4 January 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above
and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-
sur-Mer, France. On D-day, Technician 5th Grade Pinder landed
on the coast 100 yards off shore under devastating enemy
machinegun and artillery fire which caused severe casualties
among the boatload. Carrying a vitally important radio, he
struggled towards shore in waist-deep water. Only a few yards
from his craft he was hit by enemy fire and was gravely
wounded. Technician 5th Grade Pinder never stopped. He made
shore and delivered the radio. Refusing to take cover
afforded, or to accept medical attention for his wounds,
Technician 5th Grade Pinder, though terribly weakened by loss
of blood and in fierce pain, on 3 occasions went into the
fire-swept surf to salvage communication equipment. He
recovered many vital parts and equipment, including another
workable radio. On the 3rd trip he as again hit, suffering
machinegun bullet wounds in the legs. Still this valiant
soldier would not stop for rest or medical attention.
Remaining exposed to heavy enemy fire, growing steadily
waker, he aided in establishing the vital radio communication
on the beach. While so engaged this dauntless soldier was hit
for the third time and killed. The indomitable courage and
personal bravery of Technician 5th Grade Pinder was a
magnificent inspiration to the men with whom he served.
Monteith, Jimmie W., Jr.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 16th
Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, 6 June
1944.
Entered service at: Richmond, Va.
Born: 1 July 1917, Low Moor, Va.
G.O. No.: 20, 29 March 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above
and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-
sur-Mer, France. 1st Lt. Monteith landed with the initial
assault waves on the coast of France under heavy enemy fire.
Without regard to his own personal safety he continually
moved up and down the beach reorganizing men for further
assault. He then led the assault over a narrow protective
ledge and across the flat, exposed terrain to the comparative
safety of a cliff. Retracing his steps across the field to
the beach, he moved over to where 2 tanks were buttoned up
and blind under violent enemy artillery and machinegun fire.
Completely exposed to the intense fire, 1st Lt. Monteith led
the tanks on foot through a minefield and into firing
positions. Under his direction several enemy positions were
destroyed. He then rejoined his company and under his
leadership his men captured an advantageous position on the
hill. Supervising the defense of his newly won position
against repeated vicious counterattacks, he continued to
ignore his own terrain under heavy fire to strengthen links
in his defensive chain. When the enemy succeeded in
completely surrounding 1st Lt. Monteith and his unit and
while leading the fight out of the situation, 1st Lt.
Monteith was killed by enemy fire. The courage, gallantry,
and intrepid displayed by 1st Lt. Monteith is worthy of
emulation.
Barrett, Carlton W.
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 18th Infantry,
1st Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France, 6 June
1944.
Entered service at: Albany, N.Y.
Born: Fulton, N.Y.
G.O. No.: 78, 2 October 1944.
Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in the
vicinity of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France. On the morning of D-
day Pvt. Barrett, landing in the face of extremely heavy
enemy fire, was forced to wade ashore through neck-deep
water. Disregarding the personal danger, he returned to the
surf again and again to assist his floundering comrades and
save them from drowning. Refusing to remain pinned down by
the intense barrage of small-arms and mortar fire poured at
the landing points, Pvt. Barrett, working with fierce
determination, saved many lives by carrying casualties to an
evacuation boat lying offshore. In addition to his assigned
mission as guide; he carried dispataches the length of the
fire-swept beach; he assisted the wounded; he calmed the
shocked; he arose as a leader in the stress of the occasion.
His coolness and his dauntless daring courage while
constantly risking his life during a period of many hours had
an inestimable effect on his comrades and is in keeping with
the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
Peregory, Frank D.
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Amy,
Company K, 116th Infantry, 29th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Grandcampe, France, 8 June 1944.
Entered service at: Charlottesville, Va.
Born: 10 April 1915, Esmont, Va.
G.O. No.: 43, 30 May 1945.
Citation: On 8 June 1944, the 3d Battalion of the 116th
Infantry was advancing on the strongly held German defenses
at Grandcampe, France, when the leading elements were
suddenly halted by decimating machinegun fire from a firmly
entrenched enemy force on the high ground overlooking the
town. After numerous attempts to neutralize the enemy
position by supporting artillery and tank fire had proved
ineffective, T/Sgt. Peregory, on his own initiative, advanced
up the hill under withering fire, and worked his way to the
crest where he discovered an entrenchment leading to the main
enemy fortifications 200 yards away. Without hesitating, he
leaped into the trench and moved toward the emplacement.
Encountering a squad of enemy riflemen, he fearlessly
attacked them with handgrenades and bayonet, killed 8 and
forced 3 to surrender. Continuing along the trench, he
singlehandedly forced the surrender of 32 more riflemen,
captured the machine gunners, and opened the way for the
leading elements of the battalion to advance and secure its
objective. The extraordinary gallantry and aggressiveness
displayed by T/Sgt. Peregory are exemplary of the highest
tradition of the armed forces.
DeGlopper, Charles N.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Co.
C, 325th Glider Infantry, 82d Airborne Division.
Place and date: Merderet River at la Fiere, France, 9 June
1944.
Entered service at: Grand Island, N.Y.
Birth: Grand Island, N.Y.
G.O. No.: 22, 28 February 1946.
Citation: He was a member of Company C, 325th Glider
Infantry, on 9 June 1944 advancing with the forward platoon
to secure a bridgehead across the Merderet River at La Fiere,
France. At dawn the platoon had penetrated an out line of
machineguns and riflemen, but in so doing had become cut off
from the rest of the company. Vastly superior forces began a
decimation of the stricken unit and put in motion a flanking
maneuver which would have completely exposed the American
platoon in a shallow roadside ditch where it had taken cover.
Detecting this danger, Pfc. DeGlopper volunteered to support
his comrades by fire from his automatic rifle while they
attempted a withdrawal through a break in a hedgerow 40 yards
to the rear. Scorning a concentration of enemy automatic
weapons and rifle fire, he walked from the ditch onto the
road in full view of the Germans, and sprayed the hostile
positions with assault fire. He was wounded, but he continued
firing. Struck again, he started to fall; and yet his grim
determination and valiant fighting spirit could not be
broken. Kneeling in the roadway, weakened by his grievous
wounds, he leveled his heavy weapon against the enemy and
fired burst after burst until killed outright. He was
successful in drawing the enemy action away from his fellow
soldiers, who continued the fight from a more advantageous
position and established the first bridgehead over the
Merderet. In the area where he made his intrepid stand his
comrades later found the ground strewn with dead Germans and
many machineguns and automatic weapons which he had knocked
out of action. Pfc. DeGlopper's gallant sacrifice and
unflinching heroism while facing unsurmountable odds were in
great measure responsible for a highly important tactical
victory in the Normandy Campaign.
Ehlers, Walter D.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 18th
Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Goville, France, 9-10 June 1944.
Entered service at: Manhattan, Kans.
Birth: Junction City, Kans.
G.O. No.: 91, 19 December 1944.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 9-10
June 1944, near Goville, France. S/Sgt. Ehlers, always acting
as the spearhead of the attack, repeatedly led his men
against heavily defended enemy strong points exposing himself
to deadly hostile fire whenever the situation required heroic
and courageous leadership. Without waiting for an order, S/
Sgt. Ehlers, far ahead of his men, led his squad against a
strongly defended enemy strong point, personally killing 4 of
an enemy patrol who attacked him en route. Then crawling
forward under withering machinegun fire, he pounced upon the
guncrew and put it out of action. Turning his attention to 2
motars protected by the crossfire of 2 machineguns, S/Sgt.
Ehlers led his men through this hail of bullets to kill or
put to flight the enemy of the mortar section, killing 3 men
himself. After mopping up the mortar positions, he again
advanced on a machine gun, his progress effectively covered
by his squad. When he was almost on top of the gun he leaped
to his feet and, although greatly outnumbered, he knocked out
the position singlehanded. The next day, having advanced deep
into enemy territory, the platoon of which S/Sgt. Ehlers was
a member, finding itself in an untenable position as the
enemy brought increased mortar, machinegun, and small-arms
fire to bear on it, was ordered to withdraw. S/Sgt. Ehlers,
after his squad had covered the withdrawal of the remainder
of the platoon, stood up and by continuous fire at the
semicircle of enemy placements, diverted the bulk of the
heavy hostile fire on himself, thus permitting the members of
his own squad to withdraw. At this point, though wounded
himself, he carried his wounded automatic rifleman to safety
and then returned fearlessly over the shell-swept field to
retrieve the automatic rifle which he was unable to carry
previously. After having his wound treated, he refused to be
evacuated, and returned to lead his squad. The intrepid
leadership, indomitable courage, and fearless aggressiveness
displayed by S/Sgt. Ehlers in the face of overwhelming enemy
forces serve as an inspiration to others.
DeFranzo, Arthur F.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 1st
Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Vaubadon, France, 10 June 1944.
Entered service at: Saugus, Mass.
Birth: Saugus, Mass.
G.O. No.: 1, 4 January 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, on 10
June 1944, near Vaubadon, France. As scouts were advancing
across an open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire with
several machineguns and hit 1 of the men. S/Sgt. DeFranzo
courageously moved out in the open to the aid of the wounded
scout and was himself wounded but brought the man to safety.
Refusing aid, S/Sgt. DeFranzo reentered the open field and
led the advance upon the enemy. There were always at least 2
machineguns bringing unrelenting fire upon him, but S/Sgt.
DeFranzo kept going forward, firing into the enemy and 1 by 1
the enemy emplacements became silent. While advancing he was
again wounded, but continued on until he was within 100 yards
of the enemy position and even as he fell, he kept firing his
rifle and waving his men forward. When his company came up
behind him, S/Sgt. DeFranzo, despite his many severe wounds,
suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward in the
lead of his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. In a
final gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several
grenades at the enemy machinegun position and completely
destroyed the gun. In this action, S/Sgt. DeFranzo lost his
life, but by bearing the brunt of the enemy fire in leading
the attack, he prevented a delay in the assault which would
have been of considerable benefit to the foe, and he made
possible his company's advance with a minimum of casualties.
The extraordinary heroism and magnificent devotion to the
duty displayed by S/Sgt. DeFranzo was a great inspiration to
all about him, and is in keeping with the highest traditions
of the armed forces.
Cole, Robert G.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 101st
Airborne Division.
Place and date: Near Carentan, France, 11 June 1944.
Entered service at: San Antonio, Tex.
Birth: Fort Sam Houston, Tex.
G.O. No.: 79, 4 October 1944.
Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
own life, above and beyond the call of duty on 11 June 1944,
in France. Lt. Col. Cole was personally leading his battalion
in forcing the last 4 bridges on the road to Carentan when
his entire unit was suddenly pinned to the ground by intense
and withering enemy rifle, machinegun, mortar, and artillery
fire placed upon them from well-prepared and heavily
fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost
elements. After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had
for over 1 hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous
casualties, Lt. Col. Cole, observing this almost hopeless
situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy
positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his
own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he rose to
his feet in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol
shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up
a fallen man's rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the
remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground
and into the enemy position. His heroic and valiant action in
so inspiring his men resulted in the complete establishment
of our bridgehead across the Douve River. The cool
fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership
displayed by Lt. Col. Cole reflected great credit upon
himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military
service.
Butts, John E.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Co. E,
60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.
Place and Date: Normandy, France, 14, 16 and 23 June 1944.
Entered service at: Buffalo, N.Y.
Birth: Medina, N.Y.
G.O. No.: 58, 19 July 1945.
Citation: Heroically led his platoon against the enemy in
Normandy, France, on 14, 16, and 23 June 1944. Although
painfully wounded on the 14th near Orglandes and again on the
16th while spearheading an attack to establish a bridgehead
across the Douve River, he refused medical aid and remained
with his platoon. A week later, near Flottemanville Hague, he
led an assault on a tactically important and stubbornly
defended hill studded with tanks, antitank guns pillboxes and
machinegun emplacements and protected by concentrated
artillery and mortar fire. As the attack was launched 2d Lt.
Butts, at the head of his platoon, was critically wounded by
German machinegun fire. Although weakened by his injuries, he
rallied his men and directed 1 squad to make a flanking
movement while he alone made a frontal assault to draw the
hostile fire upon himself. Once more he was struck, but by
grim determination and sheer courage continued to crawl
ahead. When within 10 yards of his objective, he was killed
by direct fire. By his superb courage, unflinching valor and
inspiring actions, 2d Lt. Butts enabled his platoon to take a
formidable strong point and contributed greatly to the
success of his battalion's mission.
Ogden, Carlos C.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company
K, 314th Infantry, 79th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Fort du Roule, France, 25 June 1944.
Entered service at: Fairmont, Ill.
Born: 19 May 1917, Borton, Ill.
G.O. No.: 49, 28 June 1945.
Citation: On the morning of 25 June 1944, near Fort du
Roule, guarding the approaches to Cherbourg, France, 1st Lt.
Ogden's company was pinned down by fire from a German 88-mm.
gun and 2 machineguns. Arming himself with an M1 rifle, a
grenade launcher, and a number of rifle and handgrenades, he
left his company in position and advanced alone under fire,
up the slope toward the enemy emplacements. Struck on the
head and knocked down by a glancing machinegun bullet, 1st
Lt. Ogden, in spite of his painful wound and enemy fire from
close range continued up the hill. Reaching a vantage point,
he silenced the 88-mm. gun with a well-placed rifle grenade
and then, with handgrenades, knocked out the 2 machineguns,
again being painfully wounded. 1st Lt. Ogden's heroic
leadership and indomitable courage in along silencing these
enemy weapons inspired his men to greater effort and cleared
the way for the company to continue the advance and reach its
objectives.
Kelly, John D.
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant (then Corporal),
U.S. Army, Company E, 314th Infantry, 79 Infantry Division.
Place and date: Fort Du Roule, Cherbourg, France, 25 June
1944.
Entered service at: Cambridge Springs, Pa.
Birth: Venango Township, Pa.
G.O. No.: 6, 24 January 1945
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 25
June 1944, in the vicinity of Fort du Roule, Cherbourg,
France, when Cpl. Kelly's unit was pinned down by heavy enemy
machinegun fire emanating from a deeply entrenched
strongpoint on the slope leading up to the fort, Cpl. Kelly
volunteered to attempt to neutralize the strongpoint. Arming
himself with a pole charge about 10 feet long and with 15
pounds of explosive affixed, he climbed the slope under a
withering blast of machinegun fire and placed the charge at
the strongpoint's base. The subsequent blast was ineffective,
and again, alone and unhesitatingly, he braved the slope to
repeat the operation. The second blast blew off the ends of
the enemy guns. Cpl. Kelly then climbed the slope a third
time to place a pole charge at the strongpoint's rear
entrance. When this had been blown open he hurled
handgrenades inside the position, forcing survivors of the
enemy guncrews to come out and surrender. The gallantry,
tenacity of purpose and utter disregard for personal safety
displayed by Cpl. Kelly were an incentive to his comrades and
worthy of emulation by all.
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