Francis Sherman Currey

At just 19 years old, surrounded by German tanks and facing overwhelming enemy fire, one American soldier refused to abandon five trapped comrades. Armed with a bazooka, an automatic rifle, and extraordinary courage, Francis Sherman "Frank" Currey helped turn a desperate defensive battle into an unforgettable act of heroism. His actions during the Battle of the Bulge would earn him the Medal of Honor, America's highest military decoration for valor.

Born on 29 June 1925 in Loch Sheldrake, New York, Currey lost both parents during childhood and grew up with foster parents in Hurleyville. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1943, aged just 17. After extensive infantry training, he deployed to Europe and joined Company K, 3rd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division. Little did he know that his knowledge of battlefield weapons would soon determine the survival of his fellow soldiers.

On 21 December 1944, near Malmedy, Belgium, German tanks and infantry launched a powerful assault against Currey's position. As American defenses came under devastating fire, Currey repeatedly exposed himself to retrieve ammunition and engage the advancing enemy. Working with another soldier, he disabled a German tank with a bazooka, then used his Browning Automatic Rifle to eliminate enemy resistance. Advancing toward a German-held building, he fired a rocket that demolished part of its wall.

But his most extraordinary act was still to come. Discovering five American soldiers, including two wounded men, trapped under enemy fire, Currey crossed exposed ground to gather antitank grenades and drove German tank crews from their vehicles. He then mounted a half-track to fire its machine gun before taking over another weapon whose crew had been killed. His covering fire enabled all five Americans to escape. His official Medal of Honor citation credited him with inflicting significant enemy losses, rescuing his comrades, and helping stop an attack that threatened to overwhelm his battalion.

Currey's courage extended beyond Malmedy. He received the Silver Star for further gallantry in action and was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Wounded three times during his military service, he received three Purple Hearts, including one for injuries sustained in Bavaria while disarming German soldiers after the fighting in Europe had ended. His wartime service also brought the Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, and Army of Occupation Medal for service in Germany. Belgium recognized his heroism with the Order of Leopold II, Chevalier, with Palm.

On 27 July 1945, Major General Leland S. Hobbs presented Currey with the Medal of Honor near Reims, France. He subsequently returned to civilian life having attained the rank of Technical Sergeant.

Yet the measure of Francis Currey's character extended far beyond his military honors. He spent approximately three decades helping fellow veterans through his work with the Veterans Administration, continuing a lifetime of service long after the guns fell silent. His extraordinary story later inspired a commemorative G.I. Joe action figure and recognition in the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame.

Francis Sherman Currey died on 8 October 2019, aged 94. His legacy remains a powerful reminder that true heroism is not simply about confronting danger. It is about finding the courage to protect others when every instinct demands survival.