Memorial

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Sgt William P. Henry Jr. enlisted in Berkeley, California on 10 December 1942.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal posthumously for his action on 27 February 1945 near Stiring-Wendel, France. The citation reads in part: During a hostile counterattack, the enemy was closing in fast, inspired and led by an officer who was shouting orders and words of encouragement. Realizing it was necessary to kill the officer to break the morale of the enemy troops, Sergeant Henry and a comrade rose from their well concealed positions and, though exposed to heavy fire and bursting hand grenades, shot and killed him. The enemy troops, without a leader, turned and fled. Sgt Henry not only contributed toward repelling the counterattack, but undoubtably saved his unit many lives.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for gallantry in action on 4 March 1945. The citation stated: Sgt Henry spearheaded his company's attack through an underpass, only to have the company subjected to heavy machine gun fire from the houses. Without regard for his own safety, he made his way to the hostile positions and, entering alone, shot two of the enemy manning the guns and captured two. While further engaged in clearing other houses, his squad lost contact with the company. After placing his men in defensive positions, he successfully crossed enemy occupied territory to re-establish contact which enabled his squad to participate in the ensuing attack.

In a subsequent action Sgt Henry was killed by enemy mortar fire.