Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

743rd Tank Battalion, 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 14th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Overlord

Lieutenant Colonel John S. Upham, Jr., O-17178, 743d Tank Battalion, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 6 June 1944, in France. Early on D-Day, when his tank battalion was landing in the assault, Lieutenant Colonel Upham was directing operations by radio from a craft several hundred yards offshore. The unloading of tanks and men became increasingly difficult as, under the devastating enemy fire, tanks were knocked out and the wreckage impeded movement across the beach. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he went over the side of his landing craft and waded ashore in the face of the enemy fire. He proceeded to the tanks, personally guided them across the fire-swept beach, and directed their fight to open the beach exit. Though seriously wounded twice, he disdained to seek medical attention but continuously remained exposed to the enemy fire and coordinated the fire and movement of his tanks. It was only after his battalion had seized its objective that he was evacuated for his wounds. The extraordinary heroism, the personal bravery, and the determined leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Upham reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 68 (14 October 1944).