Hiram Frank Fenton, Jr.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

Hiram Frank Fenton, Jr. was born on 29 July 1922 in Coleman, TX, the son of Hiram Frank and Mattie Earnie Thompson Fenton. He grew up in New Central Community and graduated from Centennial High School. He entered the U.S. Army on 25 November 1940.

On 1 June 1944, then-Second Lieutenant Hiram Frank Fenton, Jr. was serving with Company B, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, Fifth U.S. Army.

On that day, 2LT Fenton’s unit was in action against German forces at Anzio, Italy, after making a second amphibious landing there on 22 May. 2LT Fenton’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

1LT Fenton was discharged from the Army on 5 October 1945.

Post-Military Life

After his return from World War II, at age 23 he was elected Sheriff of Coleman County, TX, and served in that office for 28 years. He also served as a Deputy Sheriff for 5 years and as a Special Texas Ranger for 9 years.

Fenton was recognized by Texas Monthly Magazine in a 1985 article and that same year he was awarded the Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin, Silver and 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Hiram F. Fenton, United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 1 June 1944. Second Lieutenant Fenton's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 121 (1944)

Death and Burial

First Lieutenant Hiram Frank Fenton, Jr. died on 4 April 1990 in Temple, TX. He is buried at Coleman City Cemetery in Coleman, Coleman County, TX, in Plot: Map Page 13, Section D, Lot 51.

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