
Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
World War II - U.S. Army
Edgar Harold Lloyd
Details
- Rank: First Lieutenant
- Conflict/Era: World War II
- Unit/Command:
Company E, 319th Infantry,
80th Infantry Division - Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
- Medal of Honor Action Date: September 14, 1944
- Medal of Honor Action Place: near Pompey, France
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 14 September 1944, Company E, 319th Infantry, with which 1st Lt. Lloyd was serving as a rifle platoon leader, was assigned the mission of expelling an estimated enemy force of 200 men from a heavily fortified position near Pompey, France. As the attack progressed, 1st Lt. Lloyd's platoon advanced to within 50 yards of the enemy position where they were caught in a withering machine-gun and rifle crossfire which inflicted heavy casualties and momentarily disorganized the platoon. With complete disregard for his own safety, 1st Lt. Lloyd leaped to his feet and led his men on a run into the raking fire, shouting encouragement to them. He jumped into the first enemy machine-gun position, knocked out the gunner with his fist, dropped a grenade, and jumped out before it exploded. Still shouting encouragement he went from one machine-gun nest to another, pinning the enemy down with submachine-gun fire until he was within throwing distance, and then destroyed them with hand grenades. He personally destroyed five machine guns and many of the enemy, and by his daring leadership and conspicuous bravery inspired his men to overrun the enemy positions and accomplish the objective in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. His audacious determination and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.

Additional Details
- Accredited to: Blytheville, Mississippi County, Arkansas
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: April 7, 1945
Presented to his parents by Lt. Gen. Lloyd Fredendall in Memphis, Tennessee - Born: February 28, 1922, Blytheville, Mississippi County, AR, United States
- Died: November 16, 1944, France
- Buried: Courthouse Lawn (PMH), Blytheville, AR, United States