Medal of Honor: James R. Hendrix – World War II – Belgium – December 1944

Name: James R. Hendrix
Rank: Private
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company C, 53d Armored Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division
Place: Near Assenois, Belgium
Entered Service At: Lepanto, Arkansas
Born: Lepanto, Arkansas

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Summary of Action

On the night of 26 December 1944, during the final thrust to break through to the besieged garrison at Bastogne, Private James R. Hendrix was serving with the leading element of Company C near Assenois, Belgium. The advance was abruptly halted by intense artillery fire and deadly small-arms resistance, including two enemy 88-millimeter guns covering the approach.

Without hesitation, Private Hendrix dismounted from his half-track and advanced directly toward the guns. Using only his rifle, he poured such ferocious fire into the enemy positions that the gun crews were forced to abandon their weapons and surrender, clearing the path for the advance.

Later in the action, he again left the safety of his vehicle to aid two wounded soldiers lying exposed under heavy machine-gun fire. Single-handedly silencing two hostile machine-gun positions, he held the enemy at bay with his own fire until the wounded men could be evacuated.

In a final act of heroism, Private Hendrix rushed to the aid of another soldier trapped inside a burning half-track. Despite enemy sniper fire and the danger posed by exploding mines and ammunition within the vehicle, he pulled the wounded man free and extinguished his burning clothing, saving his life. His fearless actions were instrumental in sustaining the momentum of the breakthrough to Bastogne.

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Medal of Honor Citation

On the night of 26 December 1944, near Assenois, Belgium, he was with the leading element engaged in the final thrust to break through to the besieged garrison at Bastogne when halted by a fierce combination of artillery and small arms fire. He dismounted from his half-track and advanced against two 88mm. guns, and, by the ferocity of his rifle fire, compelled the guncrews to take cover and then to surrender. Later in the attack he again left his vehicle, voluntarily, to aid 2 wounded soldiers, helpless and exposed to intense machinegun fire. Effectively silencing 2 hostile machineguns, he held off the enemy by his own fire until the wounded men were evacuated. Pvt. Hendrix again distinguished himself when he hastened to the aid of still another soldier who was trapped in a burning half-track. Braving enemy sniper fire and exploding mines and ammunition in the vehicle, he extricated the wounded man and extinguished his flaming clothing, thereby saving the life of his fellow soldier. Pvt. Hendrix, by his superb courage and heroism, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service.