Harold O. Messerschmidt
Harold O. Messerschmidt (October 20, 1923 – September 17, 1944) 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.
Harold O. Messerschmidt | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 20, 1923 Grier City, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | September 17, 1944 (aged 20) near Raddon-et-Chapendu, France |
| Buried | Christ Church Cemetery, Barnesville, Pennsylvania |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1943–1944 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Messerschmidt joined the Army from Chester, Pennsylvania in May 1943, and by September 17, 1944, was serving as a Sergeant in Company L, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. During a German attack on that day, near fr:Raddon-et-Chapendu, France, he led and encouraged his men until everyone in his unit had been killed or wounded. Ignoring his own wounds, he continued to fight the enemy force alone in hand to hand combat until he was killed. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor ten months later, on July 17, 1946.
Messerschmidt, aged 20 at his death, was buried in Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery, Barnesville, Pennsylvania.