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Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company H, 364th
Infantry, 91st Division. Place and date: Near Eclisfontaine, France, 26-27
September 1918. Entered service at: Seattle, Wash. Born: 8 July 1894, Rhinelander,
Wis. G.O. No.: 12 W.D., 1929. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. On the morning
of 26 September, during the advance of the 364th Infantry, 1st Lt. Bronson
was struck by an exploding enemy handgrenade, receiving deep cuts on his
face and the back of his head. He nevertheless participated in the action
which resulted in the capture of an enemy dugout from which a great number
of prisoners were taken. This was effected with difficulty and under extremely
hazardous conditions because it was necessary to advance without the advantage
of cover and, from an exposed position, throw handgrenades and phosphorous
bombs to compel the enemy to surrender. On the afternoon of the same day
he was painfully wounded in the left arm by an enemy rifle bullet, and
after receiving first aid treatment he was directed to the rear. Disregarding
these instructions, 1st Lt. Bronson remained on duty with his company through
the night although suffering from severe pain and shock. On the morning
of 27 September, his regiment resumed its attack, the object being the
village of Eclisfontaine. Company H, to which 1st Lt. Bronson was assigned,
was left in support of the attacking line, Company E being in the line.
He gallantly joined that company in spite of his wounds and engaged with
it in the capture of the village. After the capture he remained with Company
E and participated with it in the capture of an enemy machinegun, he himself
killing the enemy gunner. Shortly after this encounter the company was
compelled to retire due to the heavy enemy artillery barrage. During this
retirement 1st Lt. Bronson, who was the last man to leave the advanced
position, was again wounded in both arms by an enemy high-explosive shell.
He was then assisted to cover by another officer who applied first aid.
Although bleeding profusely and faint from the loss of blood, 1st Lt. Bronson
remained with the survivors of the company throughout the night of the
second day, refusing to go to the rear for treatment. His conspicuous gallantry
and spirit of self-sacrifice were a source of great inspiration to the
members of the entire command.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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