Pontorson: Sergeant John R

Original caption

Sergeant John R. Morton, Booneville, Mo., points to a bullet hole in his helmet made during the fighting on the Metz-Nancy front. The bullet didn't injure him. He is the first living soldier to receive the DSC in the 6th Armored Division. He killed 26 Germans with a carbine after his half-track was knocked out, then killed three more with a tommy gun. (231st Arm'd FA Bn., 6th Arm'd Div.) 11/17/44. "First Sergeant John R. Morton, 20746654, Field Arillert, 231st Field Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Armored Division, United States Arm. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armored enemy in the vicinity of PONTORSON, France, on 1 august 1944. After his halftrack was hit by an 88mm shell, Sergeant Morton abandoned the vehicle, and started to aid the wounded personnel. While so doing, a bullet passed through is helmet, and looking up, he saw enemy soldiers charging with bayonets. He fired on them with his carbine util it was empty, then took a sub-machine gn and advanced while firing. In the action he accounted for 26 enemy dead and greatly contributed to neutralizing an enemy ambush. His gallantry and aggressiveness reflect great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service." General Order 88, HQ Third US Army, 11 Nov 1944.

Place

Pontorson · approximate position

Photographer

Meyer

Units

6th Armored Division, 231st Armored Field Artillery Battalion

People

Sergt. John R. Morton

SC number

196525

Field number

ETO-HQ-44-26344

Source

U.S. National Archives, Record Group 111, Series: Official Army Photographs

Approximate position · Show on the photo map