Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Company B, 760th Tank Battalion, 1st Armored Division "Old Ironsides", U.S. Army

Harold E. Bradford, 6373564, Staff Sergeant, Company B, 760th Tank Battalion, for gallantry in action. On 6th-7th January 1944, Company B was engaged in operations directed against Mt. Porchia, Italy. When the Platoon Leader of his Platoon was wounded Sergeant Bradford took command of the platoon and moved it forward with the rest of the Company in the attack on Mt. Porchia. During the operation on 7 January, he skilfully maneuvered his platoon, bringing effective fire on enemy positions. As a result of this action two enemy machine-guns were destroyed and heavy fire was laid on anti-tank gun positions. During this operation two tanks were stuck near Sergeant Bradford’s tank. Although the area in which these tanks were stuck was under heavy enemy shell fire, with disregard for his own safety and at the risk of his life, he dismounted from his tank and used it to pull these two tanks out. His courageous and gallant act made it possible to put these tanks back into action at a time when tanks were very much needed to protect against an enemy counterattack which was reported to be developing to the right of Mt. Porchia. Sergeant Bradford’s performance of these courageous act materially assisted his Company in accomplishing its mission. His devotion to duty and courageous leadership is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Military Service. Home address: De Kalb, Mississippi.