Edgar H. Lloyd
Encyclopedia
Edgar Harold Lloyd was a United States Army
officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor
—for his actions in World War II
.
, and by September 14, 1944 was serving as a first lieutenant in Company E, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division. On that day, near Pompey
, France
, he single-handedly destroyed five enemy machine gun positions. Lloyd was killed in action two months later and, on April 7, 1945, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions near Pompey.
Lloyd, aged 22 at his death, was buried at the Courthouse Lawn in his hometown of Blytheville, Arkansas.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
—for his actions in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Biography
Lloyd joined the Army from his birth place of Blytheville, ArkansasBlytheville, Arkansas
Blytheville is the largest city in and one of the two county seats of Mississippi County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 15,620 at the 2010 census....
, and by September 14, 1944 was serving as a first lieutenant in Company E, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division. On that day, near Pompey
Pompey, Meurthe-et-Moselle
Pompey is a commune in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north-eastern France.Population : 5,299. It is an industrial town , situated at the confluence of the rivers Moselle and Meurthe.-External links:*...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, he single-handedly destroyed five enemy machine gun positions. Lloyd was killed in action two months later and, on April 7, 1945, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions near Pompey.
Lloyd, aged 22 at his death, was buried at the Courthouse Lawn in his hometown of Blytheville, Arkansas.
Medal of Honor citation
First Lieutenant Lloyd's official Medal of Honor citation reads:For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On September 14, 1944, Company E, 319th Infantry, with which 1st Lt. Lloyd was serving as a rifle platoon leader, was assigned the mission of expelling an estimated enemy force of 200 men from a heavily fortified position near Pompey, France. As the attack progressed, 1st Lt. Lloyd's platoon advanced to within 50 yards of the enemy position where they were caught in a withering machinegun and rifle crossfire which inflicted heavy casualties and momentarily disorganized the platoon. With complete disregard for his own safety, 1st Lt. Lloyd leaped to his feet and led his men on a run into the raking fire, shouting encouragement to them. He jumped into the first enemy machinegun position, knocked out the gunner with his fist, dropped a grenade, and jumped out before it exploded. Still shouting encouragement he went from 1 machinegun nest to another, pinning the enemy down with submachine gun fire until he was within throwing distance, and then destroyed them with hand grenades. He personally destroyed 5 machineguns and many of the enemy, and by his daring leadership and conspicuous bravery inspired his men to overrun the enemy positions and accomplish the objective in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. His audacious determination and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.