WHITTINGTON, HULON B. - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 41st Armored Infantry 2d
Armored Division. Place and date: Near Grimesnil, France, 29 July 1944.
Entered service at: Bastrop, La. Birth: 9 July 1921, Bogalusa, La. G.O.
No.: 32, 23 April 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On the night of
29 July 1944, near Grimesnil, France, during an enemy armored attack, Sgt.
Whittington, a squad leader, assumed command of his platoon when the platoon
leader and platoon sergeant became missing in action. He reorganized the
defense and, under fire, courageously crawled between gun positions to
check the actions of his men. When the advancing enemy attempted to penetrate
a roadblock, Sgt. Whittington, completely disregarding intense enemy action,
mounted a tank and by shouting through the turret, directed it into position
to fire pointblank at the leading Mark V German tank. The destruction of
this vehicle blocked all movement of the remaining enemy column consisting
of over 100 vehicles of a Panzer unit. The blocked vehicles were then destroyed
by handgrenades, bazooka, tank, and artillery fire and large numbers of
enemy personnel were wiped out by a bold and resolute bayonet charge inspired
by Sgt. Whittington. When the medical aid man had become a casualty, Sgt.
Whittington personally administered first aid to his wounded men. The dynamic
leadership, the inspiring example, and the dauntless courage of Sgt. Whittington,
above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service.
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