Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
World War II - U.S. Army
Frank D Peregory
- Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Conflict/Era: World War II
- Unit/Command:
Company K, 3d Battalion, 116th Infantry,
29th Infantry Division - Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
- Medal of Honor Action Date: June 8, 1944
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Grandcampe, France
On 8 June 1944, the 3d Battalion of the 116th Infantry was advancing on the strongly held German defenses at Grandcampe, France, when the leading elements were suddenly halted by decimating machine-gun fire from a firmly entrenched enemy force on the high ground overlooking the town. After numerous attempts to neutralize the enemy position by supporting artillery and tank fire had proved ineffective, T/Sgt. Peregory, on his own initiative, advanced up the hill under withering fire and worked his way to the crest, where he discovered an entrenchment leading to the main fortifications 200 yards away. Without hesitating, he leaped into the trench and moved toward the emplacement. Encountering a squad of enemy riflemen, he fearlessly attacked them with hand grenades and bayonet, killed eight, and forced three to surrender. Continuing along the trench, he singlehandedly forced the surrender of 32 more riflemen, captured the machine gunners, and opened the way for the leading elements of the battalion to advance and secure its objective. The extraordinary gallantry and aggressiveness displayed by T/Sgt. Peregory are exemplary of the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.
- Accredited to: Charlottesville, Charlottesville County, Virginia
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: June 1945
Presented to his widow, Bessie Kirby Peregory, by Brig. Gen. E. R. Warner Cable, at the Charlottesville, VA, Armory
- Born: April 10, 1915, Esmont, Albemarle County, VA, United States
- Died: June 14, 1944, France
- Buried: A.B.M.C. Normandy Cemetery (MH) (G-21-7), St Laurent-Sur-Mer, France
- Location of Medal: A.B.M.C. Normandy Cemetery, Normandy, France