President Obama next month will award the Medal of Honor to two soldiers for their heroic actions during World War I, the White House said Thursday.
Mr. Obama will honor Army Sgt. William Shemin and Pvt. Henry Johnson during a White House ceremony June 2.
Shemin will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor for putting himself in harm’s way for the sake of his fellow soldiers during combat operations near the Vesle River, Bazoches, France, in August 1918.
“Sergeant Shemin left the cover of his platoon’s trench and crosses open space, repeatedly exposing himself to heavy machine gun and rifle fire to rescue the wounded. After officers and senior non-commissioned officers had become casualties, Shemin took command of the platoon and displayed great initiative under fire, until he was wounded, August 9,” the White House said in a statement.
Shemin’s daughter, Elsie Shemin-Roth, will accept the Medal of Honor on her late father’s behalf.
Johnson will be honored for fighting off a German raiding party near Saint Menehoul, France, in May 1918.
“Private Johnson and a fellow soldier received a surprise attack by a German raiding party consisting of at least 12 soldiers,” the White House said. “While under intense enemy fire and despite receiving significant wounds, Johnson mounted a brave retaliation resulting in several enemy casualties. When his fellow soldier was badly wounded, Private Johnson prevented him from being taken prisoner by German forces.”
Command Sgt. Major Louis Wilson of the New York National Guard will accept the Medal of Honor on Johnson’s behalf.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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