Medal of Honor: Albert E. Baesel, World War I, September 27, 1918

Name: Albert E. Baesel
Rank: Second Lieutenant
War: World War I
Date of Action: September 27, 1918
Unit: 148th Infantry, 37th Division
Accredited to: Berea, Ohio

Summary of Action
During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive near Ivoiry, France, the 37th Division faced a storm of machine gun, rifle, and artillery fire as waves of German gas shells fell across the battlefield. Amid the chaos, a corporal lay gravely wounded, exposed ahead of the American line. Second Lieutenant Albert Baesel pleaded repeatedly for permission to attempt a rescue. When reluctantly granted, he and a volunteer crawled forward through deadly fire. Reaching the downed soldier, Baesel hoisted him onto his shoulders and turned for safety. At that moment, enemy bullets cut him down. He died instantly—his last act one of pure devotion to his men.

Medal of Honor Citation
BAESEL, ALBERT E.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 148th Infantry, 37th Division. Place and date: Near Ivoiry, France, 27 September 1918. Entered service at: Berea, Ohio. Born: 1892, Berea, Ohio. G.O. No.: 43, W.D., 1922. Citation: Upon hearing that a squad leader of his platoon had been severely wounded while attempting to capture an enemy machinegun nest about 200 yards in advance of the assault line and somewhat to the right, 2d Lt. Baesel requested permission to go to the rescue of the wounded corporal. After thrice repeating his request and permission having been reluctantly given, due to the heavy artillery, rifle, and machinegun fire, and heavy deluge of gas in which the company was at the time, accompanied by a volunteer, he worked his way forward, and reaching the wounded man, placed him upon his shoulders and was instantly killed by enemy fire.