Clinton M. Hedrick (1918 - 1945)

Born 1 May 1918 in Cherry Grove, Pendleton, West Virginia, United States

Died 28 Mar 1945 at age 26 in Lembeck, Recklinghausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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Biography

Clinton was born in 1918 and passed away in 1945. He is buried at North Fork Community Cemetery in Riverton, Pendleton County, West Virginia. He was in the United States Army and served as a Technical Sergeant in Company I, 194th Glider Infantry, 17th Airborne Division.

Hedrick was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on March 27 and 28, 1945 near Lembeck, Germany where he was killed in action. Clinton's citation explains as follows: When six of the enemy attempted a surprise flanking movement, he quickly turned and killed the entire party with a burst of fire. The enemy withdrew across a moat into Lembeck Castle where T/Sgt. Hedrick, with utter disregard for his own safety, plunged across the drawbridge alone in pursuit. When a German soldier, with hands upraised, declared the garrison wished to surrender, he entered the castle yard and was met by fire from a German self-propelled gun. Although mortally wounded, T/Sgt. Hedrick fired at the enemy gun and covered the withdrawal of his comrades. He died while being evacuated after the castle was taken. His great personal courage and heroic leadership contributed in large measure to the speedy capture of Lembeck and is an inspiring example of courage. Clinton Hedrick was also awarded a Purple Heart and a Glider Badge for his service during World War 2.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinton_M._Hedrick https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7191942/clinton-m-hedrick https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/877/Hedrick-Clinton-M.htm