MOH Recipient

[yanmacca]

When Greg mentioned about the battle of the bulge I thought of posting this link, I too like reading about this battle and have discussed it many times with members of this board, anyway lets cut to the chase, here is a link about a certain soldier who fought to defend Malmedy in Belgium, against a German tank attack and how brave he was by using a bazooka and a rifle grenade launcher to halt the enemy advance, hell that's enough from me, just watch it for yourselves;

link

[quincannon]

Ignoring for the moment that the Medal of Honor, like the Victoria Cross and George Cross are awarded not won, the action depicted in this film clip should be of interest to our new member, as the soldier was a member of the 30th Infantry Division, a National Guard unit from North Carolina and Tennessee.

The 30th was by far the best of the National Guard Divisions in Northern Europe, and a lot of that was because of both the fine material it had within its ranks, but also the leadership of the division from Major General Leland Hobbs on down. My regimental commander in basic training Colonel Howard Greer was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (second only to the MOH) for action, also armed with a rocket launcher. He commanded a battalion of the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th ID.

The 30th started off very badly. There was a problem expanding to crisis levels immediately after mobilization. It was so severe that General McNair, commanding Army Ground Forces advocated breaking up all existing National Guard Divisions at that time, and also not allowing them to be reformed after the war. It was an old boys club, very similar in nature to what Bradley found when he took over the 28th ID. The problem was remedied by an infusion of new leadership, and the 30th taking the same basic raw material turned into a premier performer. Their finest hour was at Mortain.  Their performance in the Bulge was stellar. All this once again proves what I think was once said by Freddie the Big Guy, "There are no bad regiments, only bad colonels"

[yanmacca]

Well I can't change the threads name now Chuck, but I get what you mean, even though the phrase "you win or won an award" is used right though out the English speaking world.

[dgfred]

The 30th... 'Old Hickory' Division.

[quincannon]

It is a particularly difficult issue with me Ian. No don't change it.

It just seems that the English Speaking World should find another way to express the fact that a person that exhibited such a high degree of bravery, in the service of their country, to have the presentation of that token of their country's appreciation reduced to the same level as we would refer to a prize in a box of Cracker Jacks or a trophy for winning a solf ball game. The people who do these things deserve better than that.

[yanmacca]

Apparently the 30th ID was taking a break in Holland when the Germans started their offensive, the 30th was deemed to have needed a rest after hard fighting in the Aachen area. The US high command hastily called the 30th back into the line and loaded the divisions three regiments onto any truck available, they arrived on 18th December.

The 30th contained three Infantry regiments 117th, 119th and 120th and these took up positions at these locations;

117th around Stavelot (but first encountered German units near Stoumont)
119th around Spa (apparently 1st Army HQ was about to pull out of this town)
120th around Malmedy

[yanmacca]

Here is a photo of three men from the 120th IR apparently taken in Malmedy around this period;

[quincannon]

The 117th was from Tennessee, and the 120th was from North Carolina. The 119th (North Carolina) had existed in World War I but was not reformed following that war, instead it was consolidated with the 120th. When the square 30th Division was reorganized into the triangular 30th Infantry Division, the component units were the 117th, 118th "The Palmetto Regiment" (South Carolina), and the 120th. In August of 42 the 118th was detached and sent to Iceland, and the 119th was activated to replace it. After WWII, the 119th was allocated to, and active in the North Carolina National Guard. I do not know what sources were used to fill the 119th but some references say that it was built upon a cadre drawn form the 120th so the regiment would restore its North Carolina connection.,

[deadwoodgultch]

We all know of this Texas lad. I first learned about his military history from my dad when watching one of his movies. Chuck you and I both have at least 3 of the awards he got, just not the biggies. www.audiemurphy.com/decorations.htm

Greg the link on the bottom of Ian's posts may be of interest to you,
it is well done!

Regards,
Tom

[quincannon]

If you don't count the marksmanship badges I have only one, with a couple of Hourglasses.

Most of the stuff I have in my top bureau drawer were not around in Murphy's time. My highest is the MSM with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

Seems strange that Murphy only rated Marksman with the rifle.

The one of his that I hold in the highest regard is the CIB. The MOH, DSC, SS, and BS are indicative that someone saw and recognized what he did. The CIB is a sign to all that the person wearing it endured.

[dgfred]

CIB = Salute from us!

[quincannon]

It's not mine Greg if that is what you meant. I was speaking of Murphy's and all the rest who hold it.

Mine is one notch lower.

Come to think of it I only have one hourglass not two, on my I've been around far too long medal.

[dgfred]

Still salute you and all who served.

[quincannon]

I deserve no thanks or salutes or anything else. I did my job as best I could. I failed more than I achieved success, just as we all do. I hated the necessity of having to do that job, and still do with a passion. War and the preparation for war should be forever abolished.

I am rather taken aback by anyone who thinks that wearing a uniform is the only way you can serve. The parent who raises their kids right does far more in the service of their country than any soldier can ever do.

[Beth]

I took it on myself to change the thread title to the correct term when it comes to a person who has received the MOH (yes I googled it to make sure it was correct.) Ian, please don't take it personal, sometimes there are just terms that don't translate the same way on different sides of the Atlantic. I'm on a mailing list that is currently discussing that the phrase "she has been around the block a few times" is far from a complementary term for a woman who is no longer naive young girl. Usually I would just let it go but those of us on this side of 'the Pond' get kind of emotional about the MOH

If anyone ever has a problem where they want to change the title of a thread they created, you just have to go to the first message and select edit. The other option is just to send me a PM and I will do it for you.