bravest of the brave: The 3rd Infantry Division in World War II, The

Army, Nov 2003 by Broadwater, Robert P

From July 11, 1943, until April 18, 1945, a period of 22 months, members of the division had been awarded 36 Medals of Honor, an amazing ratio of more than 1.5 medals per month. This certainly bears evidence to the hard fighting the division was forced to endure during its many campaigns and also serves as a testimonial to the selfless, courageous spirit of the men who served in it. They were among the bravest of the brave. Regretfully, it is impossible to cite each of the 36 examples of bravery here, though each story deserves to be told. The following is a listing of all the men of the 3rd Division who were awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II:

SSgt. Lucian Adams

Sgt. Sylvester Antolak

SSgt. Stanley Bender

Capt. Maurice Britt

First Lt. Frank Burke

Pvt. Herbert Christian

Sgt. James Connor

Second Lt. Robert Craig

Capt. Michael Daly

Technical Sgt. Russell Dunham

PFC John Dutko

Technician Fifth Grade Eric Gibson

PFC Lloyd Hawks

Pvt. Eiden Johnson

First Lt. Victor Kandle

SSgt. Gus Kefurt

PFC Patrick Kessler

PFC Alton Knappenberger

PFC Floyd Lindstrom

Technician Fifth Grade Robert Maxwell

Pvt. Joseph Merrell

Sgt. Harold Messerschmidt

Pvt. James Mills

Second Lt. Audie Murphy

First Lt. Charles Murray Jr.

Capt. Arlo Olson

Sgt. Truman Olson

Technician Fifth Grade Forrest Peden

Pvt. Wilburn Ross

PFC Henry Schauer

Sgt. John Squires

First Lt. John Tominac

PFC Jose Valdez

Lt. Col. Keith Ware

First Lt. David Waybur

First Lt. Eli Whiteley

ROBERT P. BROADWATER writes a monthly column for Military Trader. He has also written six books and has had over 70 articles published in national magazines. His next book, on the Civil War Battle of Bentonville, is scheduled for release in the fall of 2003.