Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

or
  • Filter Recipient Database here
    • Service Branch
    • Conflict / Era
    • Additional Filters
      -  
    or

World War II - U.S. Army

Foster Joseph Sayers

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    Company L, 357th Infantry,
    90th Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: November 12, 1944
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Thionville, France
Citation

He displayed conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in combat on 12 November 1944, near Thionville, France. During an attack on strong hostile forces entrenched on a hill he fearlessly ran up the steep approach toward his objective and set up his machine gun 20 yards from the enemy. Realizing it would be necessary to attract full attention of the dug-in Germans while his company crossed an open area and flanked the enemy, he picked up his gun, charged through withering machine-gun and rifle fire to the very edge of the emplacement, and there killed 12 German soldiers with devastating close-range fire. He took up a position behind a log and engaged the hostile infantry from the flank in an heroic attempt to distract their attention while his comrades attained their objective at the crest of the hill. He was killed by the very heavy concentration of return fire; but his fearless assault enabled his company to sweep the hill with a minimum of casualties, killing or capturing every enemy soldier on it. Pfc. Sayers' indomitable fighting spirit, aggressiveness, and supreme devotion to duty live on as an example of the highest traditions of the military service.

Medal of Honor Recipient Foster J. Sayers
Medal of Honor Recipient Foster J. Sayers
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Howard, Centre County, Pennsylvania
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Born: April 27, 1924, Marsh Creek, Centre County, PA, United States
  • Died: November 12, 1944, near Thionville, France
  • Buried: Schenck Cemetery (MH), Howard Township, PA, United States
  • Location of Medal: Pennsylvania Military Museum, Boalsburg, PA
 

Questions? For More Information Contact Us!