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| DSC hero and 3 time Purple Heart recipient Tech Sergeant Gerald Henderson served with the 18th Infantry Division on D-Day. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/58731537/gerald-m-henderson/photo https://www.pinterest.com/pin/844776842573537126/ |
Today I am writing about two men born on May 15, 1919. The other one is Albin Mrace, a sailor on the USS West Virginia at Pearl Harbor. He and two brothers were all killed in World War 2.
Gerald M. Henderson never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on May 15, 1919 in Arkansas. His parents Hugh and Ora were also both born in Arkansas. His father worked as a farmer and later as a bakery truck driver. Still later he worked as a service station manager. Gerald had one older brother. Gerald competed three years of high school.
He volunteered for the army in November 1938. He rose to the rank of tech sergeant in the anti-tank company, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division (nicknamed “The Big Red One”). In November 1942, the 1st ID took part in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of French North Africa, and was in combat from January 1943 to May 1943, helping to secure Tunisia. Gerald earned a Purple Heart in North Africa. In July 1943, the division took part in the Allied invasion of Sicily. Gerald earned a second Purple Heart in Sicily. The 1st ID returned to England in November 1943 to prepare for the eventual invasion of Normandy.
The 18th IR began landing on Omaha Beach at Easy Red on D-Day June 6,1944 at 0930. Casualties were not as great when compared to the units that arrived earlier. However, Sgt. Henderson selflessly made himself a target while retrieving needed equipment and wounded soldiers out of harms way. He was wounded once again, this time mortally, when a shell exploded near him. He died later that day.
Technical Sergeant Henderson, while exposed to intense enemy artillery mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire, heroically supervised the unloading of men and vehicles from his landing craft. Observing that a vehicle from an adjoining craft had stalled, he voluntarily drove a truck along the fire swept beach, plunged in the water and fastened a cable to the disabled vehicle. After towing it safely to shore he personally carried two wounded occupants to covered positions and rendered first aid.
He returned to the beach and amid bursting shells and devastating small arms fire, courageously continued his rescue work. While carrying a wounded solider across the beach to safety a shell landed near this valiant soldier fatally wounding him.
His heroic achievements during the initial landing resulted in the saving of many lives and much vital equipment. The self sacrificing devotion to duty, personal bravery and valorous leadership displayed by Technical Sergeant Henderson exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Sgt. Henderson's parents were presented with his Distinguished Service Cross in 1947.
His grave is at Hillcrest Cemetery in Texarkana, Texas.
Last year on this date I profiled P-38 pilot Robert Crosswait. You can read about Robert here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
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