12-206 Garand Picture of the Day 17th ABN Div

[Mark in Rochester]

Original copy of the "TALON with the 17th in Ardennes" published by the Division just after the Battle of the Bulge (TFH collection).



January 21, 1945. Troops of the 17th AB Dision move up toward the front over snow covered roads near Houffalize, Belgium (Signal Corps photo realised by Pvt George H Mallinder - 167 Sig Photo Co. SC 253918).

Melvin “Bud” Biddle
PFC Melvin E. Biddle 517th PIR, 17th ABN DIV 24-Dec-44 Belgium

On August 12, 1945, Melvin Biddle along with 14 other servicemen gathered on the White House lawn. In attendance were such dignitaries as Gen. George Marshall, Gen. Omar Bradley and Adm. Chester Nimitz. President Harry S. Truman placed a powder blue ribbon holding a five-pointed star inscribed with the word valor around Melvin’s neck. President Truman told him, “I would rather have this medal around my neck than be President.” One can only imagine what this moment must have been like for the small-town boy who felt he didn’t deserve such recognition.

He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy near Soy, Belgium, on 23 and 24 December 1944. Serving as lead scout during an attack to relieve the enemy-encircled town of Hotton, he aggressively penetrated a densely wooded area, advanced 400 yards until he came within range of intense enemy rifle fire, and within 20 yards of enemy positions killed 3 snipers with unerring marksmanship. Courageously continuing his advance an additional 200 yards, he discovered a hostile machine-gun position and dispatched its 2 occupants. He then located the approximate position of a well-concealed enemy machine-gun nest, and crawling forward threw hand grenades which killed two Germans and fatally wounded a third. After signaling his company to advance, he entered a determined line of enemy defense, coolly and deliberately shifted his position, and shot 3 more enemy soldiers. Undaunted by enemy fire, he crawled within 20 yards of a machine-gun nest, tossed his last hand grenade into the position, and after the explosion charged the emplacement firing his rifle. When night fell, he scouted enemy positions alone for several hours and returned with valuable information which enabled our attacking infantry and armor to knock out 2 enemy tanks. At daybreak he again led the advance and, when flanking elements were pinned down by enemy fire, without hesitation made his way toward a hostile machine-gun position and from a distance of 50 yards killed the crew and 2 supporting riflemen. The remainder of the enemy, finding themselves without automatic weapon support, fled panic stricken. Pfc. Biddle's intrepid courage and superb daring during his 20-hour action enabled his battalion to break the enemy grasp on Hotton with a minimum of casualties.

Melvin Biddle - Medal of Honor Recipient

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