Medal of Honor: Deming Bronson, World War I, September 26–27, 1918

Name: Deming Bronson
Rank: First Lieutenant
War: World War I
Date of Action: September 26–27, 1918
Unit: Company H, 364th Infantry, 91st Division
Accredited to: Seattle, Washington

Summary of Action
In the opening assault of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Lieutenant Deming Bronson led his men forward against fortified German positions near Eclisfontaine. Struck in the head by grenade fragments, he refused evacuation, pushing on to help capture an enemy dugout. Hours later, a rifle bullet tore through his arm—yet again he stayed, rallying his company through the night. The next morning, despite mounting pain and shock, Bronson volunteered to join another company in the attack on Eclisfontaine. He helped seize the village, personally killing an enemy machine gunner before a high-explosive shell blasted him in both arms. Even then, Bronson refused to leave. Through the second night, bleeding and weak, he remained with the survivors, inspiring all who witnessed his courage.

Medal of Honor Citation
BRONSON, DEMING
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company H, 364th Infantry, 91st Division. Place and date: Near Eclisfontaine, France, 26–27 September 1918. Entered service at: Seattle, Wash. Born: 8 July 1894, Rhinelander, Wis. G.O. No.: 12 W.D., 1929. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. On the morning of 26 September, during the advance of the 364th Infantry, 1st Lt. Bronson was struck by an exploding enemy handgrenade, receiving deep cuts on his face and the back of his head. He nevertheless participated in the action which resulted in the capture of an enemy dugout from which a great number of prisoners were taken. This was effected with difficulty and under extremely hazardous conditions because it was necessary to advance without the advantage of cover and, from an exposed position, throw handgrenades and phosphorous bombs to compel the enemy to surrender. On the afternoon of the same day he was painfully wounded in the left arm by an enemy rifle bullet, and after receiving first aid treatment he was directed to the rear. Disregarding these instructions, 1st Lt. Bronson remained on duty with his company through the night although suffering from severe pain and shock. On the morning of 27 September, his regiment resumed its attack, the object being the village of Eclisfontaine. Company H, to which 1st Lt. Bronson was assigned, was left in support of the attacking line, Company E being in the line. He gallantly joined that company in spite of his wounds and engaged with it in the capture of the village. After the capture he remained with Company E and participated with it in the capture of an enemy machinegun, he himself killing the enemy gunner. Shortly after this encounter the company was compelled to retire due to the heavy enemy artillery barrage. During this retirement 1st Lt. Bronson, who was the last man to leave the advanced position, was again wounded in both arms by an enemy high-explosive shell. He was then assisted to cover by another officer who applied first aid. Although bleeding profusely and faint from the loss of blood, 1st Lt. Bronson remained with the survivors of the company throughout the night of the second day, refusing to go to the rear for treatment. His conspicuous gallantry and spirit of self-sacrifice were a source of great inspiration to the members of the entire command.