|
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, 1 5th Infantry, 3d Infantry
Division. Place and date: Crossing of the Volturno River, Italy, 13 October
1943. Entered service at: Toronto, S. Dak. Birth: Greenville, lowa. G.O.
No.: 71, 31 August 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 13 October
1943, when the drive across the Volturno River began, Capt. Olson and his
company spearheaded the advance of the regiment through 30 miles of mountainous
enemy territory in 13 days. Placing himself at the head of his men, Capt.
Olson waded into the chest-deep water of the raging Volturno River and
despite pointblank machine-gun fire aimed directly at him made his way
to the opposite bank and threw 2 handgrenades into the gun position, killing
the crew. When an enemy machinegun 150 yards distant opened fire on his
company, Capt. Olson advanced upon the position in a slow, deliberate walk.
Although 5 German soldiers threw handgrenades at him from a range of 5
yards, Capt. Olson dispatched them all, picked up a machine pistol and
continued toward the enemy. Advancing to within 15 yards of the position
he shot it out with the foe, killing 9 and seizing the post. Throughout
the next 13 days Capt. Olson led combat patrols, acted as company No. 1
scout and maintained unbroken contact with the enemy. On 27 October 1943,
Capt. Olson conducted a platoon in attack on a strongpoint, crawling to
within 25 yards of the enemy and then charging the position. Despite continuous
machinegun fire which barely missed him, Capt. Olson made his way to the
gun and killed the crew with his pistol. When the men saw their leader
make this desperate attack they followed him and overran the position.
Continuing the advance, Capt. Olson led his company to the next objective
at the summit of Monte San Nicola. Although the company to his right was
forced to take cover from the furious automatic and small arms fire, which
was directed upon him and his men with equal intensity, Capt. Olson waved
his company into a skirmish line and despite the fire of a machinegun which
singled him out as its sole target led the assault which drove the enemy
away. While making a reconnaissance for defensive positions, Capt. Olson
was fatally wounded. Ignoring his severe pain, this intrepid officer completed
his reconnaissance, Supervised the location of his men in the best defense
positions, refused medical aid until all of his men had been cared for,
and died as he was being carried down the mountain.
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)
| | |