| William C. Felkins Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 15, 1915 |
| Died | November 1, 1944 (aged 28) |
| Place of birth | Walker County, Alabama |
| Place of death | Netherlands |
| Buried at | Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Rank | Captain |
| Service number | 0-1167832 |
| Unit | 387th Field Artillery Battalion, 104th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Cross Purple Heart |
William C. Felkins Jr. (15 December 1915 in Alabama – Killed in action 1 November 1944 in Standdaarbuiten)[1] was an American Captain in the United States Army during World War II. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in World War II.
Awards[]
- Distinguished Service Cross on 23 December 1944 (posthumously) as Captain and Battery Commander in the 387th Field Artillery Battalion, 104th Infantry Division[2][3][4][5]
- Purple Heart[3]
- Combat Infantryman Badge[3]
- American Campaign Medal[3]
- World War II Victory Medal[3]
Distinguished Service Cross citation[]
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Field Artillery) William C. Felkins, Jr. (ASN: 0-1167832), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 387th Field Artillery Battalion, 104th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 31 October 1944 and 1 November 1944, in Holland. Captain Felkins, displaying great personal courage, voluntarily led a patrol across a river and into dangerous enemy territory to drive off hostile troops and tanks which had taken a heavy toll of an isolated infantry battalion. He personally adjusted a devastating artillery concentration upon the enemy positions which killed many Germans and forced the withdrawal of several tanks. As the artillery fire lifted, Captain Felkins, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, advanced far ahead of the patrol while subjected to intense machine gun fire. As he prepared to lead a charge upon the enemy, he was fatally wounded. Captain Felkins' heroic actions resulted in the safe withdrawal of 120 men, many of whom were severely wounded, and enabled two companies to maintain their critical position until the main bridgehead was later established. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 104th Infantry Division, and the United States Army[2].
References[]
- ↑ "William C. Felkins, Jr.". Find a Grave. http://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56281036. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "William C. Felkins, Jr.". Military Times. http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=22104. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "William C. Felkins". American Battle Monuments Commission. https://www.abmc.gov/decedent-search/felkins%3Dwilliam. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ↑ "Distinguished Service Cross Recipients, World War II, 1941-1945". United States Department of Defense. p. 48. https://valor.defense.gov/Portals/24/Army%20DSC-%20WWII%20-%202020%2007%2002.pdf. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
- ↑ "Felkins, William C.". Traces of War.org. https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/40820/Felkins-William-C.htm. Retrieved July 16, 2023.