On this date in 1945, U.S. Army Cpl. Edward A. Bennett from Middleport, Ohio earned the Medal of Honor while serving with the 90th Infantry Division in Heckhuscheid, Germany.

As Bennett’s company advanced toward the town, it was pinned down by vicious machine gun fire. Bennett crawled to the edge of the line trying to outflank the enemy. Being discovered by the machine gun crew, he narrowly escaped by seeking cover behind a tree. When the fire abated, he continued advancing stealthily. When he reached the house holding the enemy, he first killed a sentry with his trench knife, then charged the house. 

He killed three Germans with his rifle, then clubbed another to death before killing another three with his M1911 pistol. In securing the building it allowed for the company to sweep up the remaining resistance in the town. 

Bennett continued  another 17 years in the Army, serving in Korea and rising to the rank of Maj. He retired in 1962 following a heart attack. 

In addition to the Medal of Honor he also earned a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and four Purple Hearts.

Active in the American Legion, he served as the vice commander of the Middleport, Ohio post in 1946.

He died in 1983 at the age of 63.

News article announcing Bennett as American Legion Post Commander

The Californian from Salinas, April, 10, 1948.

News article stating Bennett is the first person to re-enlist at Fort Ord

Bennett in his Army uniform. He is handsome and has a three inch scar on his right cheek.

EDWARD A BENNETT JR

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