MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.  (October 8, 2019)— The Congressional Medal of Honor Society announces that Francis S. Currey, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2019, in Selkirk, New York, at the age of 94.

Currey was born in Loch Sheldrake, New York, on June 29, 1925. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by foster parents until he graduated from high school and joined the U.S. Army in 1943. By July 1944, he was assigned to 3d Platoon, K Company, 120^th Infantry Regiment, 30^th Infantry Division, just in time for the continuing push through northern Europe.

His platoon was defending a strong point near Malmedy, Belgium, on December 21, 1944, when the Germans launched a strong attack with tanks and infantrymen. With his platoon forced to retreat and cornered in a factory, Currey located a bazooka and rockets and went on a one-man offensive. Covered by friendly fire, but still targeted throughout his action by enemy small-arms, machine-gun, and artillery fire, Currey changed his position five times, often in full view of the enemy. Nonetheless, he took advantage of the bazooka’s power and the abandoned weaponry around him to disable four of the German’s tanks and force the enemy to withdraw.

For his valor, Currey received the Medal of Honor from Major General Leland at a military parade near Reims, France, on July 27, 1945, at the age of 20. He was discharged from the Army in 1946 with the rank of Technical Sergeant.

Following the Army, Currey served as a Counselor in the Veterans Administration and owned a landscaping business.

He is survived by his widow and children. Burial arrangements are pending at this time.

There are 70 recipients alive today.

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society was chartered by Congress in 1958 and consists exclusively of the living recipients of our nation’s highest award for bravery in combat, the Medal of Honor. Those who wear this light blue ribbon and Medal around their neck are “recipients” of this prestigious award; they are not “winners.” Although it is common to refer to the Medal as the Congressional Medal of Honor, it is simply named the Medal of Honor, although, as stated, the Congress did establish the Society as the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.