b. 15/06/1898 Baltimore, Maryland. d. 08/10/1918 France.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 08/10/1918 near Bois-de-Consenvoye, France.
Henry G Costin MOH
Henry Costin was born in Baltimore and graduated from the Baltimore City College in 1915. After graduation he worked at the J. R. Dunn Mercantile Agency.
He enlisted in the Fifth Regiment of the Maryland National Guard in June of 1916. Shortly after his enlistment, the Maryland National Guard was sent to the Texas border with Mexico to defeat and capture Pancho Villa. Villa and his troops had raided Texas border towns and killed U.S. citizens. The Fifth Regiment returned to Baltimore after seven months in Texas.
Upon his return home Costin married Hythron Johnson in August of 1917. Shortly later, the Maryland National Guard was mobilized for service in World War I. The Fifth Regiment received further training before shipment to the war in France.
Private Costin showed exemplary bravery during two battles in a short period of time.
In September of 1918 Private Costin was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his courageous actions on the Alsace front. Costin and sixty members of his unit were gassed by the Germans. Private Costin, although suffering the effects of the gas, provided first aid to his fellow soldiers until he collapsed. After a stay in the field hospital he returned to duty with his Company on October 6th.
Just two days on October 8, Private Henry Costin again showed unwavering bravery in protecting his fellow soldiers. However, he made the ultimate sacrifice and died from his injuries. He gave his life for his country.
Private Henry Gilbert Costin is buried in the Loudon Park National Cemetery, Section B, Grave 460, Baltimore, Maryland.
MOH CITATION:
When the advance of his platoon had been held up by machinegun fire and a request was made for an automatic rifle team to charge the nest, Pvt. Costin was the first to volunteer. Advancing with his team, under terrific fire of enemy artillery, machineguns, and trench mortars, he continued after all his comrades had become casualties and he himself had been seriously wounded. He operated his rifle until he collapsed. His act resulted in the capture of about 100 prisoners and several machineguns. He succumbed from the effects of his wounds shortly after the accomplishment of his heroic deed.
BURIAL LOCATION: LOUDON PARK CEMETERY, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.
SECTION B, LOT 460
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
