Medal of Honor: Henry G. Costin, World War I, October 8, 1918

Name: Henry G. Costin
Rank: Private
War: World War I
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Unit: Company H, 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division
Entered Service At: Baltimore, Maryland
Born: Baltimore, Maryland

Summary of Action
Near the Bois-de-Consenvoye, France, Private Henry Costin volunteered for one of the most dangerous missions a soldier could face—charging an enemy machine gun nest that had pinned down his platoon. As shells and bullets tore through the air, Costin and his automatic rifle team advanced through the storm of fire. One by one, his comrades fell—killed or wounded—until he was the last man standing. Despite being hit himself, Costin pressed forward, operating his automatic rifle alone. With grim determination, he fired until his strength gave out and he collapsed. His courage broke the German resistance, allowing his platoon to advance, capture approximately 100 prisoners, and seize several enemy machine guns. Private Costin succumbed to his wounds shortly afterward, his final act one of unflinching bravery that saved lives and turned the tide of battle.

Medal of Honor Citation
COSTIN, HENRY G.
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company H, 115th Infantry, 29th Division. Place and date: Near Bois-de-Consenvoye, France, 8 October 1918. Entered service at: Baltimore, Md. Birth: Baltimore, Md. G.O. No.: 34, W.D., 1919. Citation: When the advance of his platoon had been held up by machinegun fire and a request was made for an automatic rifle team to charge the nest, Pvt. Costin was the first to volunteer. Advancing with his team, under terrific fire of enemy artillery, machineguns, and trench mortars, he continued after all his comrades had become casualties and he himself had been seriously wounded. He operated his rifle until he collapsed. His act resulted in the capture of about 100 prisoners and several machineguns. He succumbed from the effects of his wounds shortly after the accomplishment of his heroic deed.