![]() Hulon Brocke Whittington Major, United States Army |
![]() |
Born
near Bogalusa, Louisiana, July 9, 1921, he earned the Medal of Honor in
World War II while serving as Sergeant, 41st Armored Infantry, 2 Armored
Division, near Grimesnil, France, July 29, 1944.
He later served as the model for "G.I. Joe: American Legion Soldier," a thirteen-foot limestone statue located at 1608 K Street in Washington, D.C. He died on January 17, 1969 and was buried
in Section 8 of Arlington National Cemetery.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 41st Armored Infantry 2d Armored Division. Place and date: Near Grimesnil, France, 29 July 1944. Entered service at: Bastrop, Louisiana. Born: 9 July 1921, Bogalusa, Louisiana. G.O. No.: 32, 23 April 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On the night of 29
July 1944, near Grimesnil, France, during an enemy armored attack, Sgt.
Whittington, a squad leader, assumed command of his platoon when the platoon
leader and platoon sergeant became missing in action. He reorganized the
defense and, under fire, courageously crawled between gun positions to
check the actions of his men. When the advancing enemy attempted
to penetrate a roadblock, Sgt. Whittington, completely disregarding intense
enemy action, mounted a tank and by shouting through the turret, directed
it into position to fire pointblank at the leading Mark V German tank.
The destruction of this vehicle blocked all movement of the remaining enemy
column consisting of over 100 vehicles of a Panzer unit. The blocked vehicles
were then destroyed by handgrenades, bazooka, tank, and artillery fire
and large numbers of enemy personnel were wiped out by a bold and resolute
bayonet charge inspired by Sgt. Whittington. When the medical aid man had
become a casualty, Sgt. Whittington personally administered first aid to
his wounded men. The dynamic leadership, the inspiring example, and the
dauntless courage of Sgt. Whittington, above and beyond the call of duty,
are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
![]() Photo courtesy of Raymond L. Collins
Page Updated: 7 October 2000 Updated: 16 February 2001 Updated: 2 December 2001 Updated: 28 September 2003 Updated: 2 March 2006 Updated: 7 July 2007 |
![]() |