LLOYD, EDGAR H. - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company E, 319th
Infantry, 80th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Pompey, France,
14 September 1944. Entered service at: Blytheville, Ark. Birth: Blytheville,
Ark. G.O. No.: 25, 7 April 1945. 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
machinegun 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 machinegun
position, knocked out the gunner with his fist, dropped a grenade, and
jumped out before it exploded. Still shouting encouragement he went from
1 machinegun 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 5 machineguns 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.
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