Stephen R. Gregg
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Stephen Raymond Gregg, Sr. | |
|---|---|
| September 1, 1914 – February 4, 2005 (aged 90) | |
 Stephen R. Gregg, Medal of Honor recipient |
|
| Place of birth | New York City |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Stephen Raymond Gregg, Sr., (September 1, 1914 – February 4, 2005) was a 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
Gregg joined the Army from Bayonne, New Jersey, and by August 27, 1944 was serving as a technical sergeant in 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division. On that day, near Montélimar, France, he provided covering fire for a combat medic who was evacuating wounded men to safety. Gregg was briefly captured by German soldiers, but managed to escape and returned to the fight. The next day, he directed the fire of his mortar section until communications were disabled. Upon learning that the mortar position had been captured and was being used to fire on his own company, he attacked and re-took the mortars. Gregg was subsequently promoted to second lieutenant and, on April 17, 1945, awarded the Medal of Honor.
Gregg left the Army while still a second lieutenant. He died at age 90 and was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, New Jersey.
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
Gregg's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 27 August 1944, in the vicinity of Montelimar, France. As his platoon advanced upon the enemy positions; the leading scout was fired upon and 2d Lt. Gregg (then a Tech. Sgt.) immediately put his machineguns into action to cover the advance of the riflemen. The Germans, who were at close range, threw hand grenades at the riflemen, killing some and wounding 7. Each time a medical aid man attempted to reach the wounded, the Germans fired at him. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, 2d Lt. Gregg took 1 of the light .30-caliber machineguns, and firing from the hip, started boldly up the hill with the medical aid man following him. Although the enemy was throwing hand grenades at him, 2d Lt. Gregg remained and fired into the enemy positions while the medical aid man removed the 7 wounded men to safety. When 2d Lt. Gregg had expended all his ammunition, he was covered by 4 Germans who ordered him to surrender. Since the attention of most of the Germans had been diverted by watching this action, friendly riflemen were able to maneuver into firing positions. One, seeing 2d Lt. Gregg's situation, opened fire on his captors. The 4 Germans hit the ground and thereupon 2d Lt. Gregg recovered a machine pistol from one of the Germans and managed to escape to his other machinegun positions. He manned a gun, firing at his captors, killed 1 of them and wounded the other. This action so discouraged the Germans that the platoon was able to continue its advance up the hill to achieve its objective. The following morning, just prior to daybreak, the Germans launched a strong attack, supported by tanks, in an attempt to drive Company L from the hill. As these tanks moved along the valley and their foot troops advanced up the hill, 2d Lt. Gregg immediately ordered his mortars into action. During the day by careful observation, he was able to direct effective fire on the enemy, inflicting heavy casualties. By late afternoon he had directed 600 rounds when his communication to the mortars was knocked out. Without hesitation he started checking his wires, although the area was under heavy enemy small arms and artillery fire. When he was within 100 yards of his mortar position, 1 of his men informed him that the section had been captured and the Germans were using the mortars to fire on the company. 2d Lt. Gregg with this man and another nearby rifleman started for the gun position where he could see 5 Germans firing his mortars. He ordered the 2 men to cover him, crawled up, threw a hand grenade into the position, and then charged it. The hand grenade killed 1, injured 2, 2d Lt. Gregg took the other 2 prisoners, and put his mortars back into action.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Stephen R. Gregg at Find A Grave Retrieved on 2008-02-07
- Medal of Honor Recipients - World War II (G-L). Medal of Honor Citations. U.S. Army Center of Military History (July 16, 2007). Retrieved on 2008-02-07.
