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For the greater part of the following sketch of Howell County from 1838 to 1875 the publishers are indebted to a paper prepared by Sam A. Risley for the Centennial Celebration held in West Plains in 1876 which was furnished to the West Plains Journal by R.S. Hogan and published in that paper May 26, 1904. Others who have aided in securing information and names for the historical section are Adj. Gen. H. C. Clark, S. J. Langston, O. N. Barnett, R. G. Smith, Mustion, Thomas Lamons, Mrs. H. B. Pitts, and Floyd W. H. Zorn, W. R. Bingaman, D. W. Buck, W. D. Shoemaker of the Missouri State Historical Society.

In 1838 all the territory now embraced in the limits of Howell County was a wilderness untrod by any human foot. The Indians had left the country years before, and all the territory lying between township 29, north, and the state line south. Elevenpoints river east and the North Fork of White River west, was abandoned to the deer, elk, bear, wolves and other wild animals native to the country. The first settler within the present limits of Howell County was a hunter named Adams, who settled at the spring which at present affords most of the water used in West Plains, in the summer of 1839. His nearest neighbor was twenty miles away. Adams soon tired of the solitude, and sold his little improvement to Josiah Howell, who may be called the first permanent settler in the county which now bears his last name. He moved to the place where West Plains now stands in October, 1839. His wife Sarah (Lassiter), daughter Mary and sons, William, Eason, Thomas J. (afterward for many years Representative of Oregon County), and Josephus N. settled in the immediate neighborhood, and signs of civilization began to show themselves in the wilderness.

In 1840, Eli Tabor settled on Spring Creek. He was, so far as can be learned, the only settler of that year. Ozark County was created by the Legislature of 1840-41 and in the year 1841, when the county was organized Eli Tabor was elected presiding justice of the County Court, Ozark County then included Range 10, now embraced in Howell. In 1841 Nathan McCammon settled three miles east of West Plains, and about the same time a man named Hutton located on the valley which now bears his name. He was one of that class of pioneers, now almost extinct, who could not bear to be crowded, and finding he had neighbors within eighteen or twenty miles, he left his valley in disgust and plunged still deeper into the western wilderness. At this time in the history of the county there were no roads.

The first public road of which we have any account was located by A. V. Tabor, and ran down the North Fork. The territory at present comprised in Howell County then belonged to Ripley County except range ten on the west line, which was a part of Ozark County. The inhabitants of the county then went to St. Louis or Batesville to dispose of the furs and skins taken in the chase, and to lay in the necessary supplies of groceries, medicines and ammunition. In 1841, A. V. Tabor went 40 miles to mill, and others went still farther. There were then no saw mills: floors and doors of the houses were made of hewed puncheons. Even coffins were made from puncheons hewed thin and dressed smooth with a plane.

There was much or more interest taken in politics then as at the present time. A. V. Tabor has stated that he went through the woods 30 miles to an election, and carried a keg of whiskey, and that on the way he fell in with three other men, each with a keg of whiskey, and that they had a “jolly time.” By the year 1844, the country had gained considerable in population, and the County Court of Ripley County organized Howell township. The total vote of the township at the presidential election of 1844 was 14; all for Polk of Tennessee. In February 1845, Oregon County was created, and included the territory now embraced in Howell, except range 10 on the west line. The first County Court of Oregon County was held in May 1845, John R. Woodside made out the tax books.

The number of names on the tax books was 150, of which 25 resided in the present limits of Howell County. As late as 1846 hunting bands of Indians from the Delaware, Kaw and Shawnee tribes visited this county to hunt. At this time the woods were full of bear, deer, elk, and other game, and a good hunter could make a great deal of money. It was no uncommon thing then to see 50 or 60 elk in one drove. Deer were equally abundant, and black bears were numerous. A good hunting dog was then worth as much as a horse. The elk left this country in 1847-48. Many deer and a few bear still remain. In 1848 most of the country was sectionized, and the favorable reports of the surveyors induced considerable immigration.

In 1850 there was but one post office in Oregon County. It was kept by Josephus Howell, about one mile east of the present public square in West Plains, and was christened “West Plains” by Judge John R. Woodside. At that time scarcely a stick of timber grew in sight of the spring in West Plains. All the valleys and hills around about were barren of timber and covered with tall prairie grass. From any of the hills a man could be seen from miles down the valley which is now covered with a dense growth of timber. West Plains was then a much more appropriate name than now. The country continued to increase in population, and in the Legislature of 1856-57 a bill was passed forming the present County of Howell.

The county was given the territory embraced in ranges 7 to 10 inclusive, east and west, and from the north line of township 27 north, to the state line south, all of which territory it still retains. Benjamin Alsup, Jas. Ellison and Joseph H. Russell were the first county justices, Joseph Howell was the first Sheriff, and Joseph Harris the first clerk. Judge Ellison soon resigned his office and John McDaniel was appointed to fill his place. The county was attached to the 15th Judicial circuit over which Judge Albert Jackson presided. Judge John R. Woodside was the first circuit attorney. The first circuit court was held in a little log cabin one mile east of West Plains, and there was but one case on the docket.

The county prospered and gradually increased in population until the breaking out of the rebellion in 1861. At that time the population of the county was 3,200. West Plains was the thriving village of about a hundred and fifty people, with several good stores and dwelling houses, and a passable frame courthouse. The county had many fine farms opened, and the people were thriving and happy. The great body of the people inclined to the South and three companies of Confederate State Guards were raised in the county in the summer of 1861. They were commanded by Captains G. W. Galloway of West Plains, William Howard of South Fork and Forshee of Gunter’s Valley. These three companies first saw service in the battle of Wilson’s Creek near Springfield, August 10, 1861 where they lost several men. When the six-months term of enlistment for the State Guards was up, a company was organized by Nicks and Captain Howard for the regular Confederate service. This organization went South and served in the Battle of Corinth.

No local organization was made for the Federal Army. Union men going generally to Rolla to enter service. To the old log fort there went also many families whose sympathies were with the Union and who wished to be in sight of a friendly garrison during those perilous times. Other refugees fled to Salem, to Springfield, or to Pilot Knob. As the war advanced, nearly all of the Southern sympathizers were also forced to leave the county. They went mostly to Oregon County and to the vicinity of Batesville. Arkansas, although some moved north to be entirely out of the danger zone. The situation of the county made it a thoroughfare for all the raiding parties of both armies engaged in this section of the country, and with each succeeding march of the hostile forces through the county, the inhabitants enduring again all the horrors of civil war. Only about a dozen families remained in the country during the war.

The few men who did remain were frequently obliged to “layout” to hide in the woods or caves for weeks at a time to avoid being captured and killed. Numbers of old men and non-combatants were shot down at their homes by wandering bands of irresponsible murders. In 1863 there was not a soul left in West Plains. A Mr. D. Pennington said that he was in the town in the summer of that year, and the only living thing he saw was a cat. The doors of the tenantless houses swung idly to and fro: the curtainless sash rattled in the breeze; tall weeds filled the streets; the very birds had flown from the desolate scene, and he returned home determined to leave the country. The important records of the county officers were removed from the courthouse in 1861 and hidden in a cave, where they remained until the end of the war.

In February, 1862, a squad of Confederate Soldiers took refuge in the small wooden courthouse in the center of the square. A company of Federal troops, coming into town from the north and ignorant of the force of the enemy, stationed a small cannon on the hill now traversed by Washington avenue, and riddled the courthouse with solid shot and grape. The Southern troops got safely away with the exception of one man who was killed in the flight. This and one brush between “bushwackers” of both sides which occurred on South Fork, near the place later known as the Hylton farm, are the only instances known when northern and southern troops actually established contact in Howell County.

A regiment of Federal troops under General Davidson spent some time here while on their way south and Provost-Marshall McNulty with a considerable force camped for several months on the line of hills in the southeast part of West Plains. The nearly uninhabited country did not seem of enough strategic importance to hold permanently, however, and the Soldiers moved on, leaving only the graves of twelve were later transferred to a National Cemetery. Neither side maintained a permanent post in the county during the war. In the fall of 1863 three or four guerrillas led by a man named Watson burned the town. Not a house was left standing. Toward the close of the war raiding and guerrilla parties infested the county, and nearly every farm house and most of the fencing was burned.

At the close of the war the refugees from the county began slowly to return. They found only ruins where they left comfortable dwellings; their fields were fenceless and grown up with young timber. It was a desolate outlook and would have discouraged a less resolute people. But the returning people were hardy, energetic and determined. Many of them were veterans from one or the other Army, and were not easily discouraged. They put their shoulders to the wheel with a vim, and soon were surrounded with the comforts of home. It was like settling a new country. Who is here today who can realize that eleven short years ago scarcely a dozen houses stood in Howell County. Who can realize that in the spring of 1860 only ten years ago the black jack brush grew thick on the site of West Plains?

In 1865 but few families returned. A few more came in 1866, but the country did not begin to settle rapidly until the spring of 1867. During that and the three succeeding years almost all of the old settlers returned. Many new settlers came in 1868-69 and new farms were opened. The county was re-organized by the State government in 1866. Peter Lamons, Joseph Speers and Richard Haven were appointed county justices. W. D. Mustion, Sheriff, and W. Z. Buck, clerk. The courthouse being burned the first courts were held in a little log cabin. The records of the county which had been preserved during the war by being hid in a cave, were kept in the clerk’s office, a little 10x12 box shanty, which, together with all the records, was destroyed by fire in 1866. In 1868, E. F. Hynes and others purchased a press and material and established a small newspaper called “The Type of the Times.” The venture was ill-timed and the paper survived only a few months.

In 1869-70 the county received many accessions to its population, the new settlers being principally from Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. The census of 1870 gave population of the county as 4,218. In October, 1870, B. F. Olden and Sam A. Risley established the “South Missouri Journal” since changed to the “West Plains Journal” the first permanent newspaper in Howell County. The unsettled condition of the county politically, which time however, the bitterness resulting from the war, happily began to wear away, and an era of peace and prosperity dawned on Howell County.

In 1871 the county increased rapidly in population and by 1873 the number of inhabitants was estimated at 8, 000. In the winter of 1873, B. F. Olden, J. H. Maxey and Sam A. Risley located a stream saw mill in the pinery on Dry Creek, in the western part of the county, and an the 23rd day of February the first steam whistle awoke the echoes in the hills of Howell. In the summer of the same year C. T. Bolin erected a steam flouring mill in West Plains. Previous to this time the people had been dependent upon water mills, located principally on the North Fork, and which, in times of drcuth, were very irregular.

In the spring of the present year, H. W. Bolin, Dr. C. M. Ross, P. N. Gulley and others laid out a town of Hutton Valley, naming it Crossville. This is the second town in the county. There are at present (1876) nine postoffices in the country, viz: West Plains, Hutton Valley (or Crossville.) Willow Springs, Albino, Chapel, South Fork, Yankee Doodle Pottersville and Peace Valley. During the past three years the improvements in West Plains and throughout the county have been numerous and of a permanent character. The present population (1876) of Howell County is estimated by competent Judges at 11,000. The actual population of West Plains on this Centennial Fourth of July is 240.

REFERENCE(s)

Joe L. Jones Associates (1917-1919). Webpage from a reputable and well-known organization website.
Retrieved from http://missourioverthere.org/explore/collections/honor-roll-of-howell-county missouri/
William Monks (2016). Webpage from a reputable and well-known organization website.
Retrieved from https://www.gutenberg.org/files/51118/51118-h/51118-h.htm
Trillium Trust (2020). Webpage from a reputable and well-known organization website.
Retrieved from http://www.unlocktheozarks.org/about-the-project/place-based-education/the-mystery-of-josiah-howell/

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HOWELL COUNTY HONOR ROLL

HIGHEST ARMED FORCES COMBAT AWARDS

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the United States Army's second highest military decoration for soldiers who display extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree that they are above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations, but which do not meet the criteria for the Medal of Honor. The Army Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Navy and Marine Corps' Navy Cross, the Air Force and Space Force's Air Force Cross, and the Coast Guard Cross.

SILVER STAR

The Silver Star Medal (SSM) is the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. The Silver Star Medal is awarded primarily to members of the United States Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.

BRONZE STAR WITH "V" DEVICE

The Bronze Star Medal with the "V" device to denote heroism (BSMV) is the fourth highest military decoration for valor. In the Army, the "V" is worn solely to denote "participation in acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy”. In the Air Force and Space Force, the "V" is worn to denote heroism in combat. In the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, the "V" is worn to denote combat heroism or to recognize individuals who are "exposed to personal hazard during direct participation in combat operations".

PURPLE HEART

The Purple Heart (PH) is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military. With its forerunner, the Badge of Military Merit, which took the form of a heart made of purple cloth, the Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to U.S. military members.

MEDAL OF HONOR

MISSOURI RECIPIENTS

The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States government's highest and most prestigious military decoration that may be awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, space force guardians, and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. The following are Missouri recipients of the Medal of Honor.

William Edward Adams

DATE OF BIRTH: June 16, 1939

PLACE OF BIRTH: Casper, Wyoming

HOME OF RECORD: Kansas City, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Vietnam War

SERVICE: Army

BATTALION: 52nd Aviation Battalion

DIVISION: 1st Aviation Brigade

GENERAL ORDERS: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 38 (September 6, 1974)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Major William Edward Adams, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with A/227 Assault Helicopter Company, 52d Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 May 1971. On that date, Major Adams volunteered to fly a lightly armed helicopter in an attempt to evacuate three seriously wounded soldiers from a small fire base which was under attack by a large enemy force. He made the decision with full knowledge that numerous anti-aircraft weapons were positioned around the base and that the clear weather would afford the enemy gunners unobstructed view of all routes into the base. As he approached the base, the enemy gunners opened fire with heavy machineguns, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. Undaunted by the fusillade, he continued his approach determined to accomplish the mission. Displaying tremendous courage under fire, he calmly directed the attacks of supporting gunships while maintaining absolute control of the helicopter he was flying. He landed the aircraft at the fire base despite the ever-increasing enemy fire and calmly waited until the wounded soldiers were placed on board. As his aircraft departed from the fire base, it was struck and seriously damaged by enemy anti-aircraft fire and began descending. Flying with exceptional skill, he immediately regained control of the crippled aircraft and attempted a controlled landing. Despite his valiant efforts, the helicopter exploded, overturned, and plummeted to earth amid the hail of enemy fire. Major Adams' conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and humanitarian regard for his fellow man were in keeping with the most cherished traditions of the military service and reflected utmost credit on him and the United States Army.

Danny John Petersen

DATE OF BIRTH: March 11, 1949

PLACE OF BIRTH: Horton, Kansas

HOME OF RECORD: Kansas City, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Vietnam War

SERVICE: Army

BATTALION: 4th Battalion

DIVISION: 25th Infantry Division

GENERAL ORDERS: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 44 (September 12, 1974)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Danny John Petersen (ASN: 515548546), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 9 January 1970. Specialist Fourth Class Petersen distinguished himself while serving as an armored personnel carrier commander with Company B during a combat operation against a North Vietnamese Army Force estimated to be of battalion size. During the initial contact with the enemy, an armored personnel carrier was disabled and the crewmen were pinned down by the heavy onslaught of enemy small arms, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Specialist Fourth Class Petersen immediately maneuvered his armored personnel carrier to a position between the disabled vehicle and the enemy. He placed suppressive fire on the enemy's well-fortified position, thereby enabling the crewmembers of the disabled personnel carrier to repair their vehicle. He then maneuvered his vehicle, while still under heavy hostile fire to within ten feet of the enemy's defensive emplacement. After a period of intense fighting, his vehicle received a direct hit and the driver was wounded. With extraordinary courage and selfless disregard for his own safety, Specialist Fourth Class Petersen carried his wounded comrade 45 meters across the bullet-swept field to a secure area. He then voluntarily returned to his disabled armored personnel carrier to provide covering fire for both the other vehicles and the dismounted personnel of his platoon as they withdrew. Despite heavy fire from three sides, he remained with his disabled vehicle, alone and completely exposed. Specialist Fourth Class Petersen was standing on top of his vehicle, firing his weapon, when he was mortally wounded. His heroic and selfless actions prevented further loss of life in his platoon. Specialist Fourth Class Petersen's conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroism are in the highest traditions of the service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.

Thomas Elbert Creek

DATE OF BIRTH: April 7, 1950

PLACE OF BIRTH: Joplin, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Amarillo, Texas

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Vietnam War

SERVICE: Marine Corps

BATTALION: 3rd Battalion

DIVISION: 3rd Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Thomas Elbert Creek (MCSN: 2403648), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 13 February 1969, while serving as a rifleman with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force in action against enemy forces near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam. Lance Corporal Creek's squad was providing security for a convoy moving to resupply the Vandegrift Command Base when an enemy command detonated mine destroyed one of the vehicles and halted the convoy near the Cam Lo Resettlement Village. Almost immediately, the Marines came under a heavy volume of hostile mortar fire followed by intense small-arms fire from a well-concealed enemy force. As his squad deployed to engage the enemy, Lance Corporal Creek quickly moved to a fighting position and aggressively engaged in the fire fight. Observing a position from which he could more effectively deliver fire against the hostile forces, he completely disregarded his own safety as he fearlessly dashed across the fire-swept terrain and was seriously wounded by enemy fire. At the same time, an enemy grenade was thrown into the gully where he had fallen, landing between him and several companions. Fully realizing the inevitable results of his action, Lance Corporal Creek rolled on the grenade and absorbed the full force of the explosion with his body, thereby saving the lives of five of his fellow Marines. As a result of his heroic action, his men were inspired to such aggressive action that the enemy was defeated and the convoy was able to continue its vital mission. Lance Corporal Creek's indomitable courage, inspired the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

James Phillip Fleming

DATE OF BIRTH: March 12, 1943

PLACE OF BIRTH: Sedalia, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Pullman, Washington

NOTE: James Fleming graduated from Moses Lake (WA) High School, alma matter of fellow Medal of Honor recipient Joe Ronnie Hooper, making that school one of the few in history to claim two Medal of Honor recipients. He retired in 1996 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Vietnam War

SERVICE: Air Force

BATTALION: 20th Special Operations Squadron

DIVISION: DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

GENERAL ORDERS: GB-477, June 23, 1970

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain [then First Lieutenant] James Phillip Fleming, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 20th Special Operations Squadron, 14th Special Operations Wing, in action near Duc Co, Republic of Vietnam, on 26 November 1968. Captain Fleming distinguished himself as the Aircraft Commander of a UH-1F transport Helicopter. Captain Fleming went to the aid of a six-man special forces long range reconnaissance patrol that was in danger of being overrun by a large, heavily armed hostile force. Despite the knowledge that one helicopter had been downed by intense hostile fire, Captain Fleming descended, and balanced his helicopter on a river bank with the tail boom hanging over open water. The patrol could not penetrate to the landing site and he was forced to withdraw. Dangerously low on fuel, Captain Fleming repeated his original landing maneuver. Disregarding his own safety, he remained in this exposed position. Hostile fire crashed through his windscreen as the patrol boarded his helicopter. Captain Fleming made a successful takeoff through a barrage of hostile fire and recovered safely at a forward base. Captain Fleming's profound concern for his fellowmen, and at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Donald Everett Ballard

DATE OF BIRTH: December 5, 1945

PLACE OF BIRTH: Kansas City, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Kansas City, Missouri

NOTE: Don Ballard joined the Kansas Army National Guard, retiring as a Colonel, after earning the Medal of Honor on active duty as a Navy Corpsman.

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Vietnam War

SERVICE: Navy

BATTALION: 3rd Battalion

DIVISION: 3rd Marine Division (Rein) FMF

GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Hospital Corpsman Second Class Donald Everett Ballard, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Hospital Corpsman Second Class. With Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces on 16 May 1968. During the afternoon hours, Company M was moving to join the remainder of the Third Battalion in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. After treating and evacuating two heat casualties, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Ballard was returning to his platoon from the evacuation landing zone when the company was ambushed by a North Vietnamese Army unit employing automatic weapons and mortars, and sustained numerous casualties. Observing a wounded marine, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Ballard unhesitatingly moved across the fire swept terrain to the injured man and swiftly rendered medical assistance to his comrade. Hospital Corpsman Second Class Ballard then directed four marines to carry the casualty to a position of relative safety. As the four men prepared to move the wounded marine, an enemy soldier suddenly left his concealed position and, after hurling a hand grenade which landed near the casualty, commenced firing upon the small group of men. Instantly shouting a warning to the marines, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Ballard fearlessly threw himself upon the lethal explosive device to protect his comrades from the deadly blast. When the grenade failed to detonate, he calmly arose from his dangerous position and resolutely continued his determined efforts in treating other marine casualties. Hospital Corpsman Second Class Ballard's heroic actions and selfless concern for the welfare of his companions served to inspire all who observed him and prevented possible injury or death to his fellow marines. His courage, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

George Kenton Sisler

DATE OF BIRTH: September 19, 1937

PLACE OF BIRTH: Dexter, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Dexter, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Vietnam War

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 1st Special Forces

GENERAL ORDERS: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 35 (July 16, 1968)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant George Kenton Sisler (ASN: OF-110068), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Republic of Vietnam, on 7 February 1967. First Lieutenant Sisler was the platoon leader/adviser to a Special United States/Vietnam exploitation force. While on patrol deep within enemy dominated territory, First Lieutenant Sisler's platoon was attacked from three sides by a company sized enemy force. First Lieutenant Sisler quickly rallied his men, deployed them to a better defensive position, called for air strikes, and moved among his men to encourage and direct their efforts. Learning that two men had been wounded and were unable to pull back to the perimeter, First Lieutenant Sisler charged from the position through intense enemy fire to assist them. He reached the men and began carrying one of them back to the perimeter, when he was taken under more intensive weapons fire by the enemy. Laying down his wounded comrade, he killed three onrushing enemy soldiers by firing his rifle and silenced the enemy machinegun with a grenade. As he returned the wounded man to the perimeter, the left flank of the position came under extremely heavy attack by the superior enemy force and several additional men of his platoon were quickly wounded. Realizing the need for instant action to prevent his position from being overrun, First Lieutenant Sisler picked up some grenades and charged single-handedly into the enemy onslaught, firing his weapon and throwing grenades. This singularly heroic action broke up the vicious assault and forced the enemy to begin withdrawing. Despite the continuing enemy fire, First Lieutenant Sisler was moving about the battlefield directing his force and several additional men of his platoon were quickly wounded. His extraordinary leadership, infinite courage, and selfless concern for his men saved the lives of a number of his comrades. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the military service.

Billie Gene Kanell

DATE OF BIRTH: June 26, 1931

PLACE OF BIRTH: Poplar Bluff, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Poplar Bluff, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Korean War

SERVICE: Army

BATTALION: 3rd Battalion

DIVISION: 25th Infantry Division

GENERAL ORDERS: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 57 (June 13, 1952)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private Billie Gene Kanell (ASN: RA-17317531), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Pyongyang, Korea, on 7 September 1951. A numerically superior hostile force had launched a fanatical assault against friendly positions, supported by mortar and artillery fire, when Private Kanell stood in his emplacement exposed to enemy observation and action and delivered accurate fire into the ranks of the assailants. An enemy grenade was hurled into his emplacement and Private Kanell threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing the blast with his body to protect two of his comrades from serious injury and possible death. A few seconds later another grenade was thrown into the emplacement and, although seriously wounded by the first missile, he summoned his waning strength to roll toward the second grenade and used his body as a shield to again protect his comrades. He was mortally wounded as a result of his heroic actions. His indomitable courage, sustained fortitude against overwhelming odds, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the United States Army.

Charles Richard Long

DATE OF BIRTH: December 10, 1923

PLACE OF BIRTH: Kansas City, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Kansas City, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Korean War

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 2nd Infantry Division

GENERAL ORDERS: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 18 (February 1, 1952)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Sergeant Charles Richard Long (ASN: ER-37504082), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hoeng-song, Korea, on 12 February 1951. When Company M, in a defensive perimeter on Hill 300, was viciously attacked by a numerically superior hostile force at approximately 0300 hours and ordered to withdraw, Sergeant Long, a forward observer for the mortar platoon, voluntarily remained at his post to provide cover by directing mortar fire on the enemy. Maintaining radio contact with his platoon, Sergeant Long coolly directed accurate mortar fire on the advancing foe. He continued firing his carbine and throwing hand grenades until his position was surrounded and he was mortally wounded. Sergeant Long's inspirational, valorous action halted the onslaught, exacted a heavy toll of enemy casualties, and enabled his company to withdraw, reorganize, counterattack, and regain the hill strongpoint. His unflinching courage and noble self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.

Richard Gene Wilson

DATE OF BIRTH: August 19, 1931

PLACE OF BIRTH: Marion, Illinois

HOME OF RECORD: Cape Girardeau, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Korean War

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 11th Airborne Division

GENERAL ORDERS: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 64 (August 2, 1951)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Richard Gene Wilson (ASN: 17252005), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Medical Company, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Opari, Korea, on 21 October 1950. As medical aid man attached to Company I, Private First Class Wilson accompanied the unit during a reconnaissance in force through the hilly country near Opari. The main body of the company was passing through a narrow valley flanked on three sides by high hills when the enemy laid down a barrage of mortar, automatic-weapons and small-arms fire. The company suffered a large number of casualties from the intense hostile fire while fighting its way out of the ambush. Private First Class Wilson proceeded at once to move among the wounded and administered aid to them oblivious of the danger to himself, constantly exposing himself to hostile fire. The company commander ordered a withdrawal as the enemy threatened to encircle and isolate the company. As his unit withdrew Private Wilson assisted wounded men to safety and assured himself that none were left behind. After the company had pulled back he learned that a comrade previously thought dead had been seen to be moving and attempting to crawl to safety. Despite the protests of his comrades, unarmed and facing a merciless enemy, Private First Class Wilson returned to the dangerous position in search of his comrade. Two days later a patrol found him lying beside the man he returned to aid. He had been shot several times while trying to shield and administer aid to the wounded man. Private First Class Wilson's superb personal bravery, consummate courage and willing self-sacrifice for his comrades reflect untold glory upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the military service.

Willy F. James

DATE OF BIRTH: March 18, 1920

PLACE OF BIRTH: Kansas City, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Kansas City, Missouri

NOTE: In the late 1980s, due that fact that no Medals of Honor were awarded to Black American soldiers in either of the World Wars, a review of Distinguished Service Cross awards was initiated to see if some of these brave soldiers might have been denied the Medal of Honor due to prejudice. In 1991 the DSC awarded to Freddie Stowers in WWI was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Subsequently, on January 13, 1997, the DSC awards to seven Black veterans of World War II were also upgraded, including the award to Willy James. His award was presented posthumously by President Bill Clinton.

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War II

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 104th Division

GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Willy F. James, Jr. (ASN: 37223753), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 7 April 1945, while serving with 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Division, in action near Lippoldsberg, Germany. As lead scout during a maneuver to secure and expand a vital bridgehead, Private First Class James was the first to draw enemy fire. He was pinned down for over an hour, during which time he observed enemy positions in detail. Returning to his platoon, he assisted in working out a new plan of maneuver. He then led a squad in the assault, accurately designating targets as he advanced, until he was killed by enemy machine gun fire while going to the aid of his fatally wounded platoon leader. Private First Class James' fearless, self-assigned actions, coupled with his diligent devotion to duty exemplified the finest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Herbert Hoover Burr

DATE OF BIRTH: September 13, 1920

PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Joseph, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Kansas City, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War II

SERVICE: Army

BATTALION: 41st Tank Battalion

DIVISION: 11th Armored Division

GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 73, August 30, 1945

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Herbert Hoover Burr, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry during action on 19 March 1945, while serving with Company C, 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division, in action at Dorrmoschel, Germany, when the tank in which he was bow gunner was hit by an enemy rocket, which severely wounded the platoon sergeant and forced the remainder of the crew to abandon the vehicle. Deafened, but otherwise unhurt, Staff Sergeant Burr immediately climbed into the driver's seat and continued on the mission of entering the town to reconnoiter road conditions. As he rounded a turn he encountered an 88-mm antitank gun at pointblank range. Realizing that he had no crew, no one to man the tank's guns, he heroically chose to disregard his personal safety in a direct charge on the German weapon. At considerable speed he headed straight for the loaded gun, which was fully manned by enemy troops who had only to pull the lanyard to send a shell into his vehicle. So unexpected and daring was his assault that he was able to drive his tank completely over the gun, demolishing it and causing its crew to flee in confusion. He then skillfully sideswiped a large truck, overturned it, and wheeling his lumbering vehicle, returned to his company. When medical personnel who had been summoned to treat the wounded sergeant could not locate him, the valiant soldier ran through a hail of sniper fire to direct them to his stricken comrade. The bold, fearless determination of Staff Sergeant Burr, his skill and courageous devotion to duty, resulted in the completion of his mission in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

George Phillips

DATE OF BIRTH: July 14, 1926

PLACE OF BIRTH: Rich Hill, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Labadie, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War II

SERVICE: Marine Corps

BATTALION: 2nd Battalion

DIVISION: 5th Marine Division

GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private George Phillips, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 14 March 1945. Standing the foxhole watch while other members of his squad rested after a night of bitter hand grenade fighting against infiltrating Japanese troops, Private Phillips was the only member of his unit alerted when an enemy hand grenade was tossed into their midst. Instantly shouting a warning, he unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his own body and protecting his comrades from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, Private Phillips willingly yielded his own life that his fellow Marines might carry on the relentless battle against a fanatic enemy. His superb valor and unfaltering spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Darrell Samuel Cole

DATE OF BIRTH: July 20, 1920

PLACE OF BIRTH: Flat River, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Esther, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War II

SERVICE: Marine Corps

BATTALION: 1st Battalion

DIVISION: 4th Marine Division

GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Sergeant Darrell Samuel Cole (MCSN: 321480), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as leader of a Machinegun Section of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Assailed by a tremendous volume of small-arms, mortar and artillery fire as he advanced with one squad of his section in the initial assault wave, Sergeant Cole boldly led his men up the sloping beach toward Airfield No. 1 despite the blanketing curtain of flying shrapnel and, personally destroying with hand grenades two hostile emplacements which menaced the progress of his unit, continued to move forward until a merciless barrage of fire emanating from three Japanese pillboxes halted the advance. Instantly placing his one remaining machinegun in action, he delivered a shattering fusillade and succeeded in silencing the nearest and most threatening emplacement before his weapon jammed and the enemy, reopening fire with knee mortars and grenades, pinned down his unit for the second time. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation and evolving a daring plan of counterattack, Sergeant Cole, armed solely with a pistol and one grenade, coolly advanced alone to the hostile pillboxes. Hurling his one grenade at the enemy in sudden, swift attack, he quickly withdrew, returned to his own lines for additional grenades and again advanced, attacked, and withdrew. With enemy guns still active, he ran the gauntlet of slashing fire a third time to complete the total destruction of the Japanese strong point and the annihilation of the defending garrison in this final assault. Although instantly killed by an enemy grenade as he returned to his squad, Sergeant Cole had eliminated a formidable Japanese position, thereby enabling his company to storm the remaining fortifications, continue the advance, and seize the objective. By his dauntless initiative, unfaltering courage, and indomitable determination during a critical period of action, Sergeant Cole served as an inspiration to his comrades, and his stouthearted leadership in the face of almost certain death sustained and enhanced the highest tradition of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Albert Leroy David

DATE OF BIRTH: July 18, 1902

PLACE OF BIRTH: Maryville, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Maryville, Missouri

NOTE: Lieutenant David passed away shortly after returning home and before his Medal of Honor could be awarded.

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War II

SERVICE: Navy

DIVISION: U.S.S. Pillsbury (DE-133)

GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Albert Leroy David, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the U.S.S. PILLSBURY (DE-133) during the capture of an enemy German submarine off French West Africa, 4 June 1944. Taking a vigorous part in the skillfully coordinated attack on the German U-505 which climaxed a prolonged search by the Task Group, Lieutenant David boldly led a party from the Pillsbury in boarding the hostile submarine as it circled erratically at five or six knots on the surface. Fully aware that the U-boat might momentarily sink or be blown up by exploding demolition and scuttling charges, he braved the added danger of enemy gunfire to plunge through the conning tower hatch and, with his small party, exerted every effort to keep the ship afloat and to assist the succeeding and more fully equipped salvage parties in making the U-505 seaworthy for the long tow across the Atlantic to a U.S. port. By his valiant service during the first successful boarding and capture of an enemy man-o-war on the high seas by the U.S. Navy since 1815, Lieutenant David contributed materially to the effectiveness of our Battle of the Atlantic and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Ova Art Kelley

DATE OF BIRTH: March 27, 1914

PLACE OF BIRTH: Norwood, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Norwood, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War II

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 96th Infantry Division

GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 89 (October 19, 1945)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private Ova Art Kelley (ASN: 39141987), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 8 December 1944, while serving with Company A, 382d Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division, in action at Leyte, Philippine Islands. Before dawn, near the edge of the enemy-held Buri airstrip, the company was immobilized by heavy, accurate rifle and machinegun fire from hostile troops entrenched in bomb craters and a ditch less than 100 yards distant. The company commander ordered a mortar concentration which destroyed one machinegun but failed to dislodge the main body of the enemy. At this critical moment Private Kelley, on his own initiative, left his shallow foxhole with an armload of hand grenades and began a one man assault on the foe. Throwing his missiles with great accuracy, he moved forward, killed or wounded five men, and forced the remainder to flee in a disorganized route. He picked up an M-1 rifle and emptied its clip at the running Japanese, killing three. Discarding this weapon, he took a carbine and killed three more of the enemy. Inspired by his example, his comrades followed him in a charge which destroyed the entire enemy force of 34 enlisted men and two officers and captured two heavy and one light machineguns. Private Kelley continued to press the attack on to an airstrip, where sniper fire wounded him so grievously that he died two days later. His outstanding courage, aggressiveness, and initiative in the face of grave danger was an inspiration to his entire company and led to the success of the attack.

Paul F. Riordan

DATE OF BIRTH: November 8, 1920

PLACE OF BIRTH: Charles City, Iowa

HOME OF RECORD: Kansas City, Missouri

NOTE: A street at Fort Benning, Georgia is named for Lieutenant Riordan.

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War II

Service: Army

Division: 34th Infantry Division

GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 74, September 11, 1944

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Paul F. Riordan, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company L, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division. In the attack on the approaches to the city of Cassino, Italy, on 3 February 1944, Second Lieutenant Riordan led one of the assault platoons. Attacking Hill 175, his command was pinned down by enemy machinegun fire from the hill and from a pillbox about 45 yards to the right of the hill. In the face of intense fire, Second Lieutenant Riordan moved out in full view of the enemy gunners to reach a position from where he could throw a hand grenade into the pillbox. Then, getting to his knees, he hurled the grenade approximately 45 yards, scoring a direct hit. The grenade killed one and wounded the other two Germans in the nest and silenced the gun. Another soldier then cleaned out the enemy pillboxes on the hill itself, and the company took its objective. Continuing the assault into Cassino itself on 8 February 1944, Second Lieutenant Riordan and his platoon were given the mission of taking the city jail house, one of the enemy's several strongpoints. Again Second Lieutenant Riordan took the lead and managed to get through the ring of enemy fire covering the approaches and reached the building. His platoon, however, could not get through the intense fire and was cut off. Second Lieutenant Riordan, aware that his men were unable to follow, determined to carry on single-handed, but the numerically superior enemy force was too much for him to overcome, and he was killed by enemy small-arms fire after disposing of at least two of the defenders. Second Lieutenant Riordan's bravery and extraordinary heroism in the face of almost certain death were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Joe C. Specker

DATE OF BIRTH: January 10, 1921

PLACE OF BIRTH: Odessa, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Odessa, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War II

SERVICE: Army

BATTALION: 48th Combat Engineer Battalion

GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 56 ( July 12, 1944)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Sergeant Joe C. Specker (ASN: ASN: 37383959), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with 48th Combat Engineer Battalion in action involving actual conflict. On the night of 7 January 1944, Sergeant Specker, with his company, was advancing up the slope of Mount Porchia, Italy. He was sent forward on reconnaissance and on his return he reported to his company commander the fact that there was an enemy machinegun nest and several well-placed snipers directly in the path and awaiting the company. Sergeant Specker requested and was granted permission to place one of his machineguns in a position near the enemy machinegun. Voluntarily and alone he made his way up the mountain with a machinegun and a box of ammunition. He was observed by the enemy as he walked along and was severely wounded by the deadly fire directed at him. Though so seriously wounded that he was unable to walk, he continued to drag himself over the jagged edges of rock and rough terrain until he reached the position at which he desired to set up his machinegun. He set up the gun so well and fired so accurately that the enemy machine-gun nest was silenced and the remainder of the snipers forced to retire, enabling his platoon to obtain their objective. Sergeant Specker was found dead at his gun. His personal bravery, self-sacrifice, and determination were an inspiration to his officers and fellow soldiers.

James Howell Howard

DATE OF BIRTH: April 8, 1913

PLACE OF BIRTH: Canton, China

HOME OF RECORD: St. Louis, Missouri

NOTE: A former Navy pilot, in the early days of the war Lieutenant Colonel Howard resigned is reserve commission to serve in the Pacific Theater as one of Clair Chennault's famed "Flying Tigers," where he was credited with shooting down 2.33 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Transferring to the U.S. Army Air Forces, he became an ACE with 6 more aerial victories, finishing the war with a total of 8.33 enemy aircraft destroyed in aerial combat. He was the only fighter pilot in the European theater to earn the Medal of Honor. (One fighter pilot later earned the Medal of Honor in Italy.) After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1966 as a Brigadier General.

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War II

SERVICE: Army Air Forces

BATTALION: 356th Fighter Squadron

DIVISION: 9th Air Force

GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 45, June 5, 1944

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) James Howell Howard (ASN: 0-511937), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, Ninth Air Force, in action with the enemy near Oschersleben, Germany, on 11 January 1944. On that day Colonel Howard was the leader of a group of P51 aircraft providing support for a heavy bomber formation on a long-range mission deep in enemy territory. As Colonel Howard's group met the bombers in the target area the bomber force was attacked by numerous enemy fighters. Colonel Howard, with his group, and at once engaged the enemy and himself destroyed a German ME. 110. As a result of this attack Colonel Howard lost contact with his group, and at once returned to the level of the bomber formation. He then saw that the bombers were being heavily attacked by enemy airplanes and that no other friendly fighters were at hand. While Colonel Howard could have waited to attempt to assemble his group before engaging the enemy, he chose instead to attack single-handed a formation of more than 30 German airplanes. With utter disregard for his own safety he immediately pressed home determined attacks for some 30 minutes, during which time he destroyed three enemy airplanes and probably destroyed and damaged others. Toward the end of this engagement three of his guns went out of action and his fuel supply was becoming dangerously low. Despite these handicaps and the almost insuperable odds against him, Colonel Howard continued his aggressive action in an attempt to protect the bombers from the numerous fighters. His skill, courage, and intrepidity on this occasion set an example of heroism which will be an inspiration to the U.S. Armed Forces.

Edward Henry "Butch" O'Hare

DATE OF BIRTH: March 13, 1914

PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Louis, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: St. Louis, Missouri

NOTE: Edward O'Hare grew up in Chicago, where his father was murdered by Al Capone's gang. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1937. He became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down seven enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He was lost in action in a night mission after his Medal of Honor mission, when he was mistaken by the rear gunner of another Navy TBF, and shot down. The International Airport in Chicago is named for him.

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War II

SERVICE: Navy

BATTALION: Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3)

DIVISION: U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Edward Henry "Butch" O'Hare (NSN: 0-78672), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial combat, at grave risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, as section leader and pilot of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON, on 20 February 1942. Having lost the assistance of his teammates, Lieutenant O'Hare interposed his plane between his ship and an advancing enemy formation of nine attacking twin-engine heavy bombers. Without hesitation, alone and unaided, he repeatedly attacked this enemy formation, at close range in the face of intense combined machinegun and cannon fire. Despite this concentrated opposition, Lieutenant O'Hare, by his gallant and courageous action, his extremely skillful marksmanship in making the most of every shot of his limited amount of ammunition, shot down five enemy bombers and severely damaged a sixth before they reached the bomb release point. As a result of his gallant action--one of the most daring, if not the most daring, single action in the history of combat aviation--he undoubtedly saved his carrier from serious damage.

Samuel Glenn Fuqua

DATE OF BIRTH: October 15, 1899

PLACE OF BIRTH: Laddonia, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Laddonia, Missouri

NOTE: Samuel Fuqua graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1923. Samuel Fuqua retired from active duty in July 1953, receiving at that time the rank of Rear Admiral on the basis of his combat awards.

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War II

SERVICE: Navy

DIVISION: U.S.S. Arizona (BB-39)

GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain Samuel Glenn Fuqua, United States Navy, for distinguished conduct in action, outstanding heroism, and utter disregard of his own safety above and beyond the call of duty during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Upon the commencement of the attack, Lieutenant Commander Fuqua rushed to the quarterdeck of the U.S.S. ARIZONA (BB-39) to which he was attached where he was stunned and knocked down by the explosion of a large bomb which hit the quarterdeck, penetrated several decks, and started a severe fire. Upon regaining consciousness, he began to direct the fighting of the fire and the rescue of wounded and injured personnel. Almost immediately there was a tremendous explosion forward, which made the ship appear to rise out of the water, shudder, and settle down by the bow rapidly. The whole forward part of the ship was enveloped in flames which were spreading rapidly, and wounded and burned men were pouring out of the ship to the quarterdeck. Despite these conditions, his harrowing experience, and severe enemy bombing and strafing, at the time, Lieutenant Commander Fuqua continued to direct the fighting of fires in order to check them while the wounded and burned could be taken from the ship and supervised the rescue of these men in such an amazingly calm and cool manner and with such excellent judgment that it inspired everyone who saw him and undoubtedly resulted in the saving of many lives. After realizing the ship could not be saved and that he was the senior surviving officer aboard, he directed it to be abandoned, but continued to remain on the quarterdeck and directed abandoning ship and rescue of personnel until satisfied that all personnel that could be had been saved, after which he left his ship with the boatload. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Fuqua was not only in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service but characterizes him as an outstanding leader of men.

M. Waldo Hatler

DATE OF BIRTH: January 6, 1894

PLACE OF BIRTH: Bolivar, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Neosho, Missouri

NOTE: Both Sergeant Hatler and Private Barkeley earned Medals of Honor for this action they performed together (despite the discrepancy in the official date of action reported in their citations.)

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War I

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 89th Division

GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 74 (June 7, 1919)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant M. Waldo Hatler (ASN: 2199881), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 8 November 1918, while serving with Company B, 356th Infantry, 89th Division, in action at Pouilly, France. When volunteers were called for to secure information as to the enemy's position on the opposite bank of the Meuse River, Sergeant Hatler was the first to offer his services for this dangerous mission. Swimming across the river, he succeeded in reaching the German lines, after another soldier, who had started with him, had been seized with cramps and drowned in midstream. Alone he carefully and courageously reconnoitered the enemy's positions, which were held in force, and again successfully swam the river, bringing back information of great value.

Arthur J. Forrest

DATE OF BIRTH: 1896

PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Louis, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Hannibal, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War I

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 89th Division

GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 50 (April 12, 1919)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Arthur J. Forrest (ASN: 2178726), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 1 November 1918, while serving with Company D, 354th Infantry, 89th Division, in action at Remonville, France. When the advance of his company was stopped by bursts of fire from a nest of six enemy machineguns, without being discovered, Sergeant Forrest worked his way single-handed to a point within 50 yards of the machinegun nest. Charging, single-handed, he drove out the enemy in disorder, thereby protecting the advance platoon from annihilating fire, and permitting the resumption of the advance of his company.

John Lewis Barkley

DATE OF BIRTH: August 28, 1895

PLACE OF BIRTH: Blairstown, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Blairstown, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War I

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 3d Division

GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 44 (April 2, 1919)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private First Class John Lewis Barkley (ASN: 2214317), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 7 October 1918, while serving with Company K, 4th Infantry, 3d Division, in action at Cunel, France. Private First Class Barkley, who was stationed in an observation post half a kilometer from the German line, on his own initiative repaired a captured enemy machinegun and mounted it in a disabled French tank near his post. Shortly afterward, when the enemy launched a counterattack against our forces, Private First Class Barkley got into the tank, waited under the hostile barrage until the enemy line was abreast of him and then opened fire, completely breaking up the counterattack and killing and wounding a large number of the enemy. Five minutes later an enemy 77-millimeter gun opened fire on the tank pointblank. One shell struck the drive wheel of the tank, but this soldier nevertheless remained in the tank and after the barrage ceased broke up a second enemy counterattack, thereby enabling our forces to gain and hold Hill 25.

Charles Denver Barger

DATE OF BIRTH: 1892

PLACE OF BIRTH: Mount Vernon, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: Stotts City, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War I

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 89th Division

GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 20 (January 30, 1919)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private First Class Charles Denver Barger (ASN: 2205271), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company L, 354th Infantry, 89th Division, in action at Bois-de-Bantheville, France, on 31 October 1918. Learning that two daylight patrols had been caught out in No Man's Land and were unable to return, Private First Class Barger and another stretcher bearer upon their own initiative made two trips 500 yards beyond our lines, under constant machinegun fire, and rescued two wounded officers.

Michael B. Ellis

DATE OF BIRTH: October 28, 1894

PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Louis, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: East St. Louis, Illinois

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War I

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 74 (June 7, 1919)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Michael B. Ellis (ASN: 56976), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 5 October 1918, while serving with Company C, 28th Infantry, 1st Division, in action at Exermont, France. During the entire day's engagement Sergeant Ellis operated far in advance of the first wave of his company, voluntarily undertaking most dangerous missions and single-handedly attacking and reducing machinegun nests. Flanking one emplacement, he killed two of the enemy with rifle fire and captured 17 others. Later he single-handedly advanced under heavy fire and captured 27 prisoners, including two officers and six machineguns, which had been holding up the advance of the company. The captured officers indicated the locations of four other machineguns, and he in turn captured these, together with their crews, at all times showing marked heroism and fearlessness.

Alexander Rives Skinker

DATE OF BIRTH: October 13, 1883

PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Louis, Missouri

HOME OF RECORD: St. Louis, Missouri

NOTE: Alexander Skinker entered active duty in the U.S. Army from the Missouri National Guard.

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War I

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 13 (January 18, 1919)

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Alexander Rives Skinker, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 26 September 1918, while serving with Company I, 138th Infantry Regiment, 35th Division, in action at Cheppy, France. Unwilling to sacrifice his men when his company was held up by terrific machinegun fire from iron pill boxes in the Hindenburg Line, Captain Skinker personally led an automatic rifleman and a carrier in an attack on the machineguns. The carrier was killed instantly, but Captain Skinker seized the ammunition and continued through an opening in the barbed wire, feeding the automatic rifle until he, too, was killed.

John Henry Balch

DATE OF BIRTH: January 2, 1896

PLACE OF BIRTH: Edgerton, Kansas

HOME OF RECORD: Kansas City, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War I

SERVICE: Navy

DIVISION: 2nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces

GENERAL ORDERS: Date of Issue: September 1919

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Pharmacist's Mate First Class John Henry Balch, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the Sixth Regiment, U.S. Marines, in action at Vierzy, France, on 19 July 1918. Pharmacists Mate First Class Balch unhesitatingly and fearlessly exposed himself to terrific machinegun and high-explosive fire to succor the wounded as they fell in the attack, leaving his dressing station voluntarily and keeping up the work all day and late into the night unceasingly for Sixteen hours. Also in the action at Somme-Py, France, on 5 October 1918, he exhibited exceptional bravery in establishing an advanced dressing station under heavy shellfire.

Archie Miller

DATE OF BIRTH: 1878

PLACE OF BIRTH: Fort Sheridan, Illinois

HOME OF RECORD: St. Louis, Missouri

NOTE: Archie Miller served in the Missouri National Guard before entering service in the active duty Army.

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Philippine Insurrection

SERVICE: Army

GENERAL ORDERS: Date of Issue: November 23, 1912

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Cavalry) Archie Miller, United States Army, for most distinguished gallantry on 2 July 1909, while serving with 6th Cavalry, in action at Patian Island, Philippine Islands. While in action against hostile Moros, when the machinegun detachment, having been driven from its position by a heavy fire, one member being killed, First Lieutenant Miller did, with the assistance of an enlisted man, place the machinegun in advance of its former position at a distance of about 20 yards from the enemy, in accomplishing which he was obliged to splice a piece of timber to one leg of the gun tripod, all the while being under a heavy fire, and the gun tripod being several times struck by bullets.

Ambrose Porter

DATE OF BIRTH: February 2, 1839

PLACE OF BIRTH: Allegany County, Maryland

HOME OF RECORD: Rockport, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Civil War

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 12th Missouri Cavalry

GENERAL ORDERS: Date of Issue: August 24, 1905

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Commissary Sergeant Ambrose Porter, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 7 August 1864, while serving with Company D, 12th Missouri Cavalry, in action at Tallahatchie River, Mississippi. Commissary Sergeant Porter was one of four volunteers who swam the river under a brisk fire of the enemy's sharpshooters and brought over a ferry boat by means of which the troops crossed and dislodged the enemy from a strong position.

Charles Bieger

DATE OF BIRTH: March 25, 1844

PLACE OF BIRTH: Wiesbaden, Germany

HOME OF RECORD: St. Louis, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Civil War

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 4th Missouri Cavalry

GENERAL ORDERS: Date of Issue: July 8, 1897

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Charles Bieger, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 22 February 1864, while serving with Company D, 4th Missouri Cavalry, in action at Ivy Farm, Mississippi. Private Bieger voluntarily risked his life by taking a horse, under heavy fire, beyond the line of battle for the rescue of his captain, whose horse had been killed in a charge and who was surrounded by the enemy's skirmishers.

James Edward Flynn

DATE OF BIRTH: July 17, 1843

PLACE OF BIRTH: Pittsfield, Illinois

HOME OF RECORD: St. Louis, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Civil War

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 6th Missouri Infantry

GENERAL ORDERS: Date of Issue: June 19, 1894

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant James Edward Flynn, United States Army, for gallantry in the charge of the volunteer storming party on 22 May 1863, while serving with Company G, 6th Missouri Infantry, in action at Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Albert Walter McMillian

DATE OF BIRTH: October 13, 1862

PLACE OF BIRTH: Stillwater, Minnesota

HOME OF RECORD: Jefferson Barracks, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Indian Campaigns

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 7th U.S. Cavalry

GENERAL ORDERS: Date of Issue: June 23, 1891

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Albert Walter McMillian, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 29 December 1890, while serving with Company A, 7th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota. While engaged with Indians concealed in a ravine, Sergeant McMillian assisted the men on the skirmish line, directed their fire, encouraged them by example, and used every effort to dislodge the enemy.

Adam Neder

DATE OF BIRTH: 1865

PLACE OF BIRTH: Bavaria, Germany

HOME OF RECORD: St. Louis, Missouri

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Indian Campaigns

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 7th U.S. Cavalry

GENERAL ORDERS: Date of Issue: April 25, 1891

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Corporal Adam Neder, United States Army, for distinguished bravery on December, 1890, while serving with Company A, 7th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Wounded Knee Creek & White Clay Creek, South Dakota.

Abram B. Brant

DATE OF BIRTH: 1849

PLACE OF BIRTH: New York, New York

HOME OF RECORD: St. Louis, Missouri

NOTE: Abram Brandt was killed by an "accidental" gunshot wound on the 4th of Oct., 1878 at Camp J.G. Sturgis DT, he was slated to be awarded the medal the following day.

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: Indian Campaigns

SERVICE: Army

DIVISION: 7th U.S. Cavalry

GENERAL ORDERS: Date of Issue: October 5, 1878

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private Abram B. Brant, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 25 June 1876, while serving with Company D, 7th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Little Big Horn, Montana. Private Brant brought water for the wounded under a most galling fire.

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