Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

First Lieutenant

Unit:

276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division "Trailblazers", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 4th, 1945

Citation:
Howard L. Arnest, 0 455 092, First Lieutenant, Infantry, 276th Infantry Regiment, for extraordinary heroism in action on 11 January 1945, near Obermunthal, France. With the mission of taking a hill held by a bitterly resisting enemy, Lieutenant Arnest led a day-light attack and seized the enemy's forward defensive positions. Continuing the attack despite heavy casualties, he inspired his men as they closed with the enemy in hand to hand combat. Seriously wounded when the enemy brought artillery fire on the positions, Lieutenant Arnest ordered a withdrawal, but refused to withdraw himself. He remained behind to cover his men until taken prisoner. Entered military service from Cottage Grove, Oregon.