b. 23/09/1919 Vian, Oklahoma. d. 01/09/1950 Am-Dong, Korea.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 01/09/1950 Am-Dong, Korea.
He was born one of four children in Vian, Oklahoma, to James P. Henry (1896-1969), and his wife Ida Mae Henry (1893- ), on September 23, 1919. He was educated locally and he later lived in Vann, Oklahoma, in 1920, and Clinton, Oklahoma, in 1930. During World War II, he decided to enter the military and serve his country. He joined the United State Army from Clinton, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on September 16, 1940, just one week before his 21st birthday.
He was serving with the rank of First Lieutenant with the United States Army in Company F of the 38th Infantry Regiment on September 1, 1950, during the Korean War when during the Second Battle of Naktong Bulge, near Andong, South Korea, when his platoon was suddenly attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. He was seriously wounded following the surprise attack and he ordered his men to withdraw from the area while he stayed behind to cover their retreat. He single-handedly held the attackers at bay until he was eventually killed. For his heroic actions and bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor a few months after his death on February 16, 1951. His widow had received the Medal on January 9, 1951 from President Harry S. Truman at The White House.
MOH CITATION:
1st Lt. Henry, Company F, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. His platoon was holding a strategic ridge near the town when they were attacked by a superior enemy force, supported by heavy mortar and artillery fire. Seeing his platoon disorganized by this fanatical assault, he left his foxhole and moving along the line ordered his men to stay in place and keep firing. Encouraged by this heroic action, the platoon reformed a defensive line and rained devastating fire on the enemy, checking its advance. Enemy fire had knocked out all communications and 1st Lt. Henry was unable to determine whether or not the main line of resistance was altered to this heavy attack. On his own initiative, although severely wounded, he decided to hold his position as long as possible and ordered the wounded evacuated and their weapons and ammunition brought to him. Establishing a one-man defensive position, he ordered the platoon’s withdrawal and despite his wound and with complete disregard for himself remained behind to cover the movement. When last seen he was singlehandedly firing all available weapons so effectively that he caused an estimated 50 enemy casualties. His ammunition was soon expended and his position overrun, but this intrepid action saved the platoon and halted the enemy’s advance until the main line of resistance was prepared to throw back the attack. 1st Lt. Henry’s outstanding gallantry and noble self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty reflect the highest honor on him and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.
BURIAL LOCATION: HONOLULU MEMORIAL, HONOLULU, HAWAII.
COURTS OF THE MISSING, COURT 6.
CENOTAPH IN SALT LAKE CITY CEMETERY, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH.
PLOT R, ROW 29 LOT 15, GRAVE 5E.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
