MOH

Medal of Honor: Clinton M. Hedrick – World War II – March 27–28, 1945

He charged enemy strongpoints again and again with his rifle firing from the hip. When the fight reached the gates of a German castle, he led from the front one final time.

April 21, 2026

Name: Clinton M. Hedrick
Rank: Technical Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: Company I, 194th Glider Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division
Date of Action: March 27–28, 1945
Location: Near Lembeck, Germany

Summary of Action

On 27–28 March 1945, following an airborne landing near Wesel, Germany, Technical Sergeant Clinton M. Hedrick and his unit were assigned as the assault platoon for the attack on Lembeck.

As the advance began, enemy automatic weapons fire from heavily defended positions repeatedly pinned down the attacking force.

Three separate times, Hedrick rose and charged directly through the storm of bullets, firing his automatic rifle from the hip.

Each fearless assault inspired the men behind him, and the enemy positions were rapidly overrun.

During the fight, six German soldiers attempted a surprise flanking attack.

Hedrick reacted instantly, turning his weapon on them and killing the entire group with a burst of fire.

Later, the remaining enemy withdrew across a moat into Lembeck Castle.

Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Hedrick charged alone across the drawbridge in pursuit.

A German soldier appeared with hands raised and declared the garrison wished to surrender.

Hedrick entered the castle yard with four of his men to accept the capitulation.

As they moved through a sally port, a concealed German self-propelled gun suddenly opened fire.

Mortally wounded in the ambush, Hedrick still returned fire and covered the withdrawal of his comrades.

He died while being evacuated after the castle was captured.

His courage, leadership, and relentless aggressiveness contributed greatly to the swift fall of Lembeck and inspired all who served beside him.

Medal of Honor Citation

HEDRICK, CLINTON M.

Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company I, 194th Glider Infantry, 17th Airborne Division.
Place and date: Near Lembeck, Germany, 27-28 March 1945.
Entered service at: Riverton, W. Va.
Birth: Cherrygrove, W. Va.
G.O. No.: 89, 19 October 1945.

Citation:
He displayed extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action on 27-28 March 1945, in Germany. Following an airborne landing near Wesel, his unit was assigned as the assault platoon for the assault on Lembeck. Three times the landing elements were pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from strongly defended positions. Each time, T/Sgt. Hedrick fearlessly charged through heavy fire, shooting his automatic rifle from his hip. His courageous action so inspired his men that they reduced the enemy positions in rapid succession. When 6 of the enemy attempted a surprise, flanking movement, he quickly turned and killed the entire party with a burst of fire. Later, the enemy withdrew across a moat into Lembeck Castle. T/Sgt. Hedrick, with utter disregard for his own safety, plunged across the drawbridge alone in pursuit. When a German soldier, with hands upraised, declared the garrison wished to surrender, he entered the castle yard with 4 of his men to accept the capitulation. The group moved through a sally port, and was met by fire from a German self-propelled gun. Although mortally wounded, T/Sgt. Hedrick fired at the enemy gun and covered the withdrawal of his comrades. He died while being evacuated after the castle was taken. His great personal courage and heroic leadership contributed in large measure to the speedy capture of Lembeck and provided an inspiring example to his comrades.