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Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 34th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Fondouk, Tunisia, 9 April 1943. Entered service at: Callaway,
Nebr. Birth: 11 July 1920, Callaway, Nebr. G.O. No.: 34, 25 April 1944.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above
and beyond the call of duty in action. On 9 April 1943 in the vicinity
of Fondouk, Tunisia, Pvt. Booker, while engaged in action against the enemy,
carried a light machinegun and a box of ammunition over 200 yards of open
ground. He continued to advance despite the fact that 2 enemy machineguns
and several mortars were using him as an individual target. Although enemy
artillery also began to register on him, upon reaching his objective he
immediately commenced firing. After being wounded he silenced 1 enemy machinegun
and was beginning to fire at the other when he received a second mortal
wound. With his last remaining strength he encouraged the members of his
squad and directed their fire. Pvt. Booker acted without regard for his
own safety. His initiative and courage against insurmountable odds are
an example of the highest standard of self-sacrifice and fidelity to duty.
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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