Melvin E. Biddle

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Melvin E. Biddle
Image:Replace this image male.svg
Melvin E. Biddle, Medal of Honor recipient
Place of birth Daleville, Indiana
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Private First Class
Unit 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Medal of Honor

Melvin E. Biddle is a former United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

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[edit] Biography

Biddle joined the Army from Anderson, Indiana, and by December 23, 1944 was serving as a private first class in Company B of the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment. On that day and the following day, near Soy, Belgium, Biddle reconnoitered the German lines alone, killed three enemy snipers, and silenced four hostile machine gun emplacements. For his actions during the battle, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 30, 1945.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Private Biddle's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy near Soy, Belgium, on 23 and 24 December 1944. Serving as lead scout during an attack to relieve the enemy-encircled town of Hotton, he aggressively penetrated a densely wooded area, advanced 400 yards until he came within range of intense enemy rifle fire, and within 20 yards of enemy positions killed 3 snipers with unerring marksmanship. Courageously continuing his advance an additional 200 yards, he discovered a hostile machinegun position and dispatched its 2 occupants. He then located the approximate position of a well-concealed enemy machinegun nest, and crawling forward threw hand grenades which killed two Germans and fatally wounded a third. After signaling his company to advance, he entered a determined line of enemy defense, coolly and deliberately shifted his position, and shot 3 more enemy soldiers. Undaunted by enemy fire, he crawled within 20 yards of a machinegun nest, tossed his last hand grenade into the position, and after the explosion charged the emplacement firing his rifle. When night fell, he scouted enemy positions alone for several hours and returned with valuable information which enabled our attacking infantry and armor to knock out 2 enemy tanks. At daybreak he again led the advance and, when flanking elements were pinned down by enemy fire, without hesitation made his way toward a hostile machinegun position and from a distance of 50 yards killed the crew and 2 supporting riflemen. The remainder of the enemy, finding themselves without automatic weapon support, fled panic stricken. Pfc. Biddle's intrepid courage and superb daring during his 20-hour action enabled his battalion to break the enemy grasp on Hotton with a minimum of casualties.

[edit] See also

United States Army Portal

[edit] References