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.
