Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
World War II - U.S. Army
Hulon Brooke Whittington
Details
- Rank: Sergeant (Highest Rank: Major)
- Conflict/Era: World War II
- Unit/Command:
41st Armored Infantry,
2d Armored Division - Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
- Medal of Honor Action Date: July 29, 1944
- Medal of Honor Action Place: near Grimesnil, France
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 point-blank 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 hand grenades, 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 aidman 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.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Bastrop, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Presentation Date & Details: April 1945
Brook's General Hospital, San Antonio, Texas, by Gen. Lucas - Born: July 9, 1921, Bogalusa, Washington Parish, LA, United States
- Died: January 17, 1969, Toledo, OH, United States
- Buried: Arlington National Cemetery (13-8-W), Arlington, VA, United States