| Eli L. Whiteley | |
|---|---|
Eli L. Whiteley and a specimen Medal of Honor on display at Texas A&M University[1][2] |
|
| Born | December 10, 1913 Georgetown, Texas |
| Died | December 2, 1986 (aged 72) College Station, Texas |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942 - 1945 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Company L, 15th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Eli Lamar Whiteley (December 10, 1913 – December 2, 1986) was a Captain in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in Sigolsheim, France during World War II. He was drafted in the Army in April 1942.[3]
While leading his platoon on December 27, 1944, in savage house-to-house fighting through the fortress town of Sigolsheim, France, he attacked a building through a street swept by withering mortar and automatic weapons fire. He was hit and severely wounded in the arm and shoulder; but he charged into the house alone and killed its 2 defenders. Hurling smoke and fragmentation grenades before him, he reached the next house and stormed inside, killing 2 and capturing 11 of the enemy. He continued leading his platoon in the extremely dangerous task of clearing hostile troops from strong points along the street until he reached a building held by fanatical Nazi troops. Although suffering from wounds which had rendered his left arm useless, he advanced on this strongly defended house, and after blasting out a wall with bazooka fire, charged through a hail of bullets. Wedging his submachinegun under his uninjured arm, he rushed into the house through the hole torn by his rockets, killed 5 of the enemy and forced the remaining 12 to surrender. As he emerged to continue his fearless attack, he was again hit and critically wounded. In agony and with 1 eye pierced by a shell fragment, he shouted for his men to follow him to the next house. He was determined to stay in the fighting, and remained at the head of his platoon until forcibly evacuated. By his disregard for personal safety, his aggressiveness while suffering from severe wounds, his determined leadership and superb courage, 1st Lt. Whiteley killed 9 Germans, captured 23 more and spearheaded an attack which cracked the core of enemy resistance in a vital area.