Medal of Honor: Alfred B. Nietzel – World War II – November 18, 1944
In the icy streets of Heistern, Germany, Sergeant Alfred B. Nietzel made a last stand that saved his squad. Outnumbered, outgunned, and alone at his post, he fought until his final breath to hold back a German assault and protect his men.
November 18, 2025
Name: Alfred B. Nietzel
Rank: Sergeant
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company H, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division
Place and Date: Heistern, Germany – November 18, 1944
Entered Service At: Jamaica, New York
Born: April 27, 1921 – Queens, New York
Departed: Killed in Action, November 18, 1944
Accredited to: New York
Summary of Action
On November 18, 1944, during a fierce German counterattack near Heistern, Sergeant Alfred B. Nietzel was serving with a machine-gun squad defending a thinly held American line. As the enemy assault intensified and threatened to overrun their position, Nietzel ordered his men to fall back to safety — then remained behind alone to cover their withdrawal.
Unprotected and fully exposed to small-arms and automatic-weapons fire, he continued to fire his machine gun with deadly determination. Every second he held his position bought precious time for his squad to escape the encircling German attack. When his ammunition was nearly exhausted, he continued the fight until the very last round.
Enemy forces soon closed in, surrounding his position. Still refusing to abandon his post, Nietzel stayed where he was most needed — holding the line until he was killed by an enemy hand grenade.
His final stand allowed his men to regroup and survive a potentially catastrophic breakthrough. Sergeant Alfred B. Nietzel’s unwavering courage, self-sacrifice, and refusal to yield under overwhelming odds reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army.
Medal of Honor Citation
