Lloyd Cortez Hawks

The Combat Medic Who Defied Death to Save His Comrades

A machine-gun bullet knocked his helmet from his head. Thirteen more bullets tore through it as it lay just inches from his body. Yet Lloyd Cortez Hawks refused to retreat. With wounded soldiers crying out for help and enemy fire sweeping the battlefield, this American combat medic made a decision that would earn him the Medal of Honor and secure his place among the heroes of World War II.

Born on January 13, 1911, in Becker, Minnesota, Lloyd Cortez Hawks grew up in Michigan before eventually returning to Minnesota. After an initial period of Army service and time in the enlisted reserve, he returned to active duty in May 1942. Assigned to the Medical Detachment of the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Hawks became a frontline medic whose mission was to save lives amid the chaos of battle.

His wartime journey took him through the Allied landings in North Africa in November 1942, the invasion of Sicily in July 1943, and the brutal fighting of the Italian Campaign. His courage was already evident before his most famous action. On October 28, 1943, Hawks distinguished himself through gallantry in action in Italy, an engagement recorded in connection with his Silver Star. His distinguished military career would ultimately bring him three Silver Star awards, two Bronze Star Medals, and three Purple Hearts, reflecting extraordinary courage and sacrifice in combat.

But on January 30, 1944, near Carano, Italy, Hawks faced the ultimate test.

Serving as a Private First Class, he witnessed two wounded American soldiers trapped in an exposed position barely 30 yards from enemy troops. Other rescuers had already been driven back by devastating machine-gun fire. Hawks crawled forward anyway, first assisting a wounded fellow medic before advancing toward the stranded men. A bullet struck his helmet, briefly stunning him, but he continued. Reaching the first casualty, he administered treatment and dragged the soldier approximately 25 yards to cover.

Then he went back.

While treating the second soldier, machine-gun fire shattered Hawks's right hip and splintered his left forearm. Despite agonizing injuries and a nearly useless arm, he completed the bandaging and dragged the second casualty to safety. He then struggled another 75 yards toward his company. His extraordinary determination saved two trapped soldiers and brought assistance to a fellow medic.

For this remarkable act of selflessness, Hawks received the Medal of Honor, officially recognized in War Department General Orders No. 5, dated January 15, 1945. His actions exemplified the highest traditions of the United States Army Medical Department.

Hawks's military service also earned recognition through the Army Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. His postwar service was reflected in the Army of Occupation Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He was also credited with Italy's War Cross for Military Valor, an international acknowledgment of his courage.

Unlike many soldiers who left military life after World War II, Hawks continued serving during the Korean War era, including an assignment in Japan, and eventually attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. He died of a heart attack on October 26, 1953, at just 42 years old, and was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids, Minnesota.

His legacy endured. In January 2007, the U.S. Army dedicated the Lloyd C. Hawks Troop Medical Clinic at Fort Stewart, Georgia, honoring a soldier whose extraordinary bravery remained an inspiration to generations of military medical personnel.

Lloyd Cortez Hawks carried no weapon into his greatest battle. His mission was to preserve life, even at the possible cost of his own. His story remains a powerful reminder that some of the greatest acts of courage on a battlefield are performed not by those taking lives, but by those determined to save them.