*LLOYD, EDGAR H.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant,
U.S. Army, Company E, 319th Infantry, 80th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Pompey, France, 14 September 1944. Entered service at: Blytheville, Ark. Birth:
Blytheville, Ark. G.O. No: 25, 7 April 1945.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty. On 14 September 1944, Company E, 319th Infantry, with which 1st Lt. Lloyd
was serving as a rifle platoon leader, was assigned the mission of expelling an estimated
enemy force of 200 men from a heavily fortified position near Pompey, France. As the
attack progressed, 1st Lt. Lloyd's platoon advanced to within 50 yards of the enemy
position where they were caught in a withering machinegun and rifle crossfire which
inflicted heavy casualties and momentarily disorganized the platoon. With complete
disregard for his own safety, 1st Lt. Lloyd leaped to his feet and led his men on a run
into the raking fire, shouting encouragement to them. He jumped into the first enemy
machinegun position, knocked out the gunner with his fist, dropped a grenade, and jumped
out before it exploded. Still shouting encouragement he went from 1 machinegun nest to
another, pinning the enemy down with submachine gun fire until he was within throwing
distance, and then destroyed them with hand grenades. He personally destroyed 5
machineguns and many of the enemy, and by his daring leadership and conspicuous bravery
inspired his men to overrun the enemy positions and accomplish the objective in the face
of seemingly insurmountable odds. His audacious determination and courageous devotion to
duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.
