Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company I, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army (Company I, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army)

Sergeant Laurie J. Griffin, 34663395, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Forest of *** [Château-Salins], France on 11 November 1944. When the advance of his platoon was halted by a German Mark IV Tank supported by fire from two machine guns, Sergeant Griffin, together with his platoon leader and two other enlisted men, voluntarily made his way forward in the face of very heavy aimed enemy fire until he had reached a position approximately ten feet from the enemy tank. The platoon leader then hurled a grenade into the open turret of the tank, causing an explosion which completely demolished the German tank, killed Sergeant Griffin and the officer and wounded the two remaining members of the party. The intrepid actions of Sergeant Griffin enabled his platoon to proceed on its mission, and reflect the highest credit upon his character and training as a soldier. Entered military service from North Carolina.

Posthumously awarded.
Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 56 (12 December 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company I, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army