First Sergeant John R. Morton was caught in a German ambush on Aug. 1, 1944 in Pontorson, France.
After using his own ammo, he took a Thompson submachine gun from a dead soldier and continued the attack, killing 26 enemies.
John died in 1996 at the age of 77.
After using his own ammo, he took a Thompson submachine gun from a dead soldier and continued the attack, killing 26 enemies.
John died in 1996 at the age of 77.
First Sergeant John R. Morton's Distinguished Service Cross Citation:
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Sergeant John R. Morton.... /1
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Sergeant John R. Morton.... /1
... United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 231st Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in action against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Pontroson, France... /2
... on 1 August 1944.
After his half-track was hit by an 88-mm. shell, Sergeant Morton abandoned the vehicle and started to aid the wounded personnel. While so doing, a bullet passed through his helmet, and, looking up, he saw enemy soldiers charging with bayonets. /3
After his half-track was hit by an 88-mm. shell, Sergeant Morton abandoned the vehicle and started to aid the wounded personnel. While so doing, a bullet passed through his helmet, and, looking up, he saw enemy soldiers charging with bayonets. /3
He fired on them with his carbine until it was empty and then took a sub-machine gun and advanced while firing.
In the action he accounted for 26 enemy losses and greatly contributed to neutralizing the enemy ambush. /4
In the action he accounted for 26 enemy losses and greatly contributed to neutralizing the enemy ambush. /4
His gallantry and aggressiveness reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service."
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