November, 2, 1944, 1st Lt. Cecil H Bolton earned the Medal of Honor for action near the Mark River in Holland while with the @104thDivision, “The Nightfighters.”

It was at night when two machine guns pinned down his company, he tried to destroy them with mortar fire, until he was wounded in the legs and knock out by a German shell.
When he recovered, he crawled to the forward rifle platoon and with a two-man bazooka team advanced through chest deep water to get within 15-yard of one of the machine guns positioned in a house. Charging the remaining distance, he killed the two gunners with hand grenades.

Returning to his men, he then led the bazooka team assaulting the second position. However, they were discovered and came under attack. Bolton killed one of the gunners with his carbine while the bazooka team shot the other two Germans. 

Continuing despite his wounds, he then led the team towards an 88-mm artillery piece. Once again, the team approached through icy canal water.  They approached until they could make out the gun’s silhouette. The bazooka team then blasted the gun. Returning to their lines, Bolton was again wounded, but refused care so the two other Soldiers could get out of harm’s way. Under severe pain he crawled back to his lines before finally collapsing. 

Bolton remained in the Army after the war, serving in Korea. He earned a silver star, two bronze stars and achieved the rank of colonel. He died at the age of 56.

News article showing Bolton left with Alabama Governor (middle) and World War I Medal of Honor recipient Earl D. Gregory at Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting. Birmingham, Alabama June 23, 1947.

Full article from the portrait detailing Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting.

Wedding announcement from the Huntsville Times December 9, 1934.

Newspaper wedding announcement for Bolton and Babette DeFrench

Huntsville Times newspaper front page "Bolton and Bolden Decorated" showing the two men.

Bolton left with Alabama Governor (middle) and World War I Medal of Honor recipient Earl D. Gregory at Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting. Birmingham, Alabama June 23, 1947.

newspaper photo showing bolton with Alabama governor and two other men at VFW meeting

A colorized portrait for Bolton, showing him in his army dress uniform. The American flag is behind 

CECIL H BOLTON

Service

WORLD WAR II

KOREA

MEDAL OF HONOR

SILVER STAR

PURPLE HEART & OLC

US ARMY,

COLONEL

Resting Place

Mementos

Tributes

Word Cloud

undefined

Milestones

Mementos

Historical Documents

Veteran programs and services

More VA resources

Get VA updates

In crisis? Get help now

Contact us