Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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World War II - U.S. Army

Jake William Lindsey Sr.

Details
  • Rank: Technical Sergeant (Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant)
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    Company C, 16th Infantry,
    1st Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: November 16, 1944
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Hamich, Germany
Citation
For gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Technical Sergeant Jake W. Lindsey led a platoon, reduced to six of its original strength of forty, in the attack on an enemy position near Hamich, Germany, 16 November 1944. His men had captured their objective and were digging in when counterattacked by a German infantry company and five tanks. Armed with a rifle and grenades, TSgt. Lindsey took position on the left and in advance of the remnant of his platoon, and though exposed to heavy rifle, machine-gun and tank fire, beat off repeated enemy attacks. Tanks moved to within 50 yards of him but were forced to withdraw because of his accurate rifle and grenade fire. After driving off the tanks, he knocked out two machine guns to his front. Though painfully wounded, TSgt. Lindsey continued firing and throwing grenades until his ammunition was expended. An enemy squad attempted to set up a machine gun 50 yards from him. Unmindful of his wounds and enemy fire, he rushed these eight German soldiers, singlehandedly closed with them, killed three with his bayonet, and captured three, the two others escaping. In his fearlessness, inspiring courage and superb leadership, TSgt. Lindsey carried on a brilliant defense of his platoon's hard-won ground, securing the position and inflicting heavy casualties on the numerically superior enemy.
Medal of Honor Recipient Jake W. Lindsey Sr.
Medal of Honor Recipient Jake W. Lindsey Sr.
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Lucedale, George County, Mississippi
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: May 21, 1945
    At a joint session of Congress, Washington, D.C., presented by Pres. Harry S. Truman
  • Born: May 1, 1921, Isney, Choctaw County, AL, United States
  • Died: July 18, 1988, Waynesboro, MS, United States
  • Buried: White House Cemetery (MH), Waynesboro, MS, United States
 

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