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Jake William Lindsey, Sr. |
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Engagements: • World War II (1941 - 1945)• Korean War (1950 - 1953) |
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Biography: | ||||
Jake William Lindsey, Sr. Second Lieutenant Jake William Lindsey, Sr. (1 May 1921 - 18 July 1988) was a U.S. Army soldier and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during World War II. Jake William Lindsey was born on 1 May 1921 in Isney, AL. He joined the Army from Lucedale, MS. On 16 November 1944, he was serving as a Technical Sergeant in the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. Near Hamich, Germany, that day he held a position in front of his platoon during an enemy counterattack and, although wounded, engaged a group of Germans in hand-to-hand combat. For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Medal of Honor Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Hamich, Germany, 16 November 1944. Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 16 November 1944, in Germany. T/Sgt. Lindsey assumed a position about 10 yards to the front of his platoon during an intense enemy infantry-tank counterattack, and by his unerringly accurate fire destroyed 2 enemy machinegun nests, forced the withdrawal of 2 tanks, and effectively halted enemy flanking patrols. Later, although painfully wounded, he engaged 8 Germans, who were reestablishing machinegun positions, in hand-to-hand combat, killing 3, capturing 3, and causing the other 2 to flee. By his gallantry, T/Sgt. Lindsey secured his unit's position, and reflected great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. Lindsey is unique among Medal of Honor recipients in that he personally received his medal before a Joint Session of Congress. President Harry S. Truman and General George C. Marshall presented Lindsey with his award on 21 May 1945. Lindsey later served in the Korean War and was a Second Lieutenant when he left the Army. Death and Burial Second Lieutenant Jake William Lindsey, Sr. died on 18 July 1988 at age 67. He is buried at Whitehouse Cemetery in Clara, MS. |
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Honoree ID: 1500 | Created by: MHOH |