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The American Legion

Department of Arkansas

P.O. Box 3280

Little Rock, AR 72203

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"Still Serving America"

The Department of Arkansas Honors our Heroes

Medal of Honor Recipient Buried At Blytheville

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor to

LLOYD, EDGAR H.

RANK AND ORGANIZATION: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company E, 319th Infantry, and 80th Infantry Division.

PLACE AND DATE: Near Pompey, France, 14 September 1944.

ENTERED SERVICE AT: Blytheville, Ark.

BIRTH: Blytheville, Ark.

G.O. NO: 25, 7 April 1945.

CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 14 September 1944, Company E, 319th Infantry, with which 1st Lt. Lloyd was serving as a rifle platoon leader, was assigned the mission of expelling an estimated enemy force of 200 men from a heavily fortified position near Pompey, France. As the attack progressed, 1st Lt. Lloyd's platoon advanced to within 50 yards of the enemy position where they were caught in a withering machine gun and rifle crossfire which inflicted heavy casualties and momentarily disorganized the platoon. With complete disregard for his own safety, 1st Lt. Lloyd leaped to his feet and led his men on a run into the raking fire, shouting encouragement to them. He jumped into the first enemy machine gun position, knocked out the gunner with his fist, dropped a grenade, and jumped out before it exploded. Still shouting encouragement he went from 1 machine gun nest to another, pinning the enemy down with submachine gun fire until he was within throwing distance, and then destroyed them with hand grenades. He personally destroyed 5 machine guns and many of the enemy, and by his daring leadership and conspicuous bravery inspired his men to overrun the enemy positions and accomplish the objective in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. His audacious determination and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.

Edgar H. Lloyd is buried on the grounds of the Mississippi County Courthouse at Blytheville, Arkansas.  He was a hero then and is a hero now to the people of Northeast Arkansas.

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