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. |
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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. | |
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