BIDDLE, MELVIN E.

Mr. Biddle is 86 years old and is living in Indiana. In addition to his Medal of Honor, he earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. When President Truman gave Corporal Biddle his MOH he said, “People don’t believe me when I tell them that I’d rather have one of these than be President.” Please take a moment to read the citation of a hero.

Rank: Private First Class
Organization: U.S. Army
Company: Company B
Division: 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment
Born: Daleville, Ind.
Departed: No
Entered Service At: Anderson, Ind.
G.O. Number: 95
Date of Issue: 10/30/1945
Accredited To:
Place / Date: Near Soy, Belgium, 23-24 December 1944

Citation

He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy near Soy, Belgium, on 23 and 24 December 1944. Serving as lead scout during an attack to relieve the enemy-encircled town of Hotton, he aggressively penetrated a densely wooded area, advanced 400 yards until he came within range of intense enemy rifle fire, and within 20 yards of enemy positions killed 3 snipers with unerring marksmanship. Courageously continuing his advance an additional 200 yards, he discovered a hostile machinegun position and dispatched its 2 occupants. He then located the approximate position of a well-concealed enemy machinegun nest, and crawling forward threw hand grenades which killed two Germans and fatally wounded a third. After signaling his company to advance, he entered a determined line of enemy defense, coolly and deliberately shifted his position, and shot 3 more enemy soldiers.

Undaunted by enemy fire, he crawled within 20 yards of a machinegun nest, tossed his last hand grenade into the position, and after the explosion charged the emplacement firing his rifle. When night fell, he scouted enemy positions alone for several hours and returned with valuable information which enabled our attacking infantry and armor to knock out 2 enemy tanks. At daybreak he again led the advance and, when flanking elements were pinned down by enemy fire, without hesitation made his way toward a hostile machinegun position and from a distance of 50 yards killed the crew and 2 supporting riflemen. The remainder of the enemy, finding themselves without automatic weapon support, fled panic stricken. Pfc. Biddle’s intrepid courage and superb daring during his 20-hour action enabled his battalion to break the enemy grasp on Hotton with a minimum of casualties.