Memories of Barbara Henderson
"for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 6 June 1944, in
Normandy France. On D-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.
Overselling 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 soldier 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 armed forces.
(auth: go 92, HZ, 1st US army, 8 Dec. 1944, T/SGT 18th infantry antitank
company