Henry Gilbert Costin

Continuing an automatic-rifle assault after severe wounds

Henry Gilbert Costin earned a posthumous Medal of Honor near Bois-de-Consenvoye, France, on 8 October 1918. A private with Company H, 115th Infantry, 29th Division, he was the first to volunteer for an automatic-rifle team attacking a machine-gun position. Under artillery and machine-gun fire, he continued after his companions became casualties and he was seriously wounded. Costin fired until he collapsed and died shortly afterward. His assault helped secure several machine guns and approximately one hundred prisoners.

Medal of Honor citation

When the advance of his platoon had been held up by machine-gun fire and a request was made for an automatic rifle team to charge the nest, Pvt. Costin was the first to volunteer. Advancing with his team, under terrific fire of enemy artillery, machine guns, and trench mortars, he continued after all his comrades had become casualties and he himself had been seriously wounded. He operated his rifle until he collapsed. His act resulted in the capture of about 100 prisoners and several machine guns. He succumbed to the effects of his wounds shortly after the accomplishment of his heroic deed.