Medal of Honor: M. Waldo Hatler – World War I – November 8, 1918
When others hesitated before the cold, deadly waters of the Meuse, Sergeant M. Waldo Hatler dove in. Alone, he swam into enemy territory, scouted their lines under fire, and returned through the current with the knowledge his division needed to win.
November 12, 2025
Name: M. Waldo Hatler
Name:
Rank: Sergeant
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company B, 356th Infantry Regiment, 89th Division
Place and Date: Near Pouilly, France – 8 November 1918
Entered Service At: Neosho, Missouri
Born: January 6, 1894 – Bolivar, Missouri
Departed: December 14, 1967
Accredited To: Missouri
Summary of Action
As the Meuse-Argonne Offensive neared its climax, U.S. forces faced a deadly obstacle: the Meuse River. Its far bank bristled with German machine guns, and little was known about enemy strength or positions. When volunteers were called to swim across and gather intelligence, Sergeant M. Waldo Hatler was the first to step forward.
Stripping off his gear, Hatler entered the freezing, current-swept river under enemy observation. Halfway across, the soldier beside him was seized by cramps and drowned—but Hatler pressed on alone, reaching the far bank amid scattered rifle fire. Crouched low in the brush, he crept close enough to count enemy fortifications and note troop movements, all while deep in hostile territory.
Having gathered the vital information, Hatler turned back toward the dark river, swam again through the cold and danger, and reached friendly lines exhausted but alive. His report proved crucial to the 89th Division’s next advance across the Meuse.
Sergeant Hatler’s fearless initiative and devotion to duty exemplified the quiet, deadly courage that defined America’s final push to victory in the First World War.
Medal of Honor Citation
Place and date: Near Pouilly, France, 8 November 1918.
Entered service at: Neosho, Mo.
Born: 6 January 1894, Bolivar, Mo.
G.O. No.: 74, W.D., 1919.
Citation:
When volunteers were called for to secure information as to the enemy’s position on the opposite bank of the Meuse River, Sgt. Hatler was the first to offer his services for this dangerous mission. Swimming across the river, he succeeded in reaching the German lines, after another soldier, who had started with him, had been seized with cramps and drowned in midstream. Alone he carefully and courageously reconnoitered the enemy’s positions, which were held in force, and again successfully swam the river, bringing back information of great value.
