Michael B. Ellis

What drives a soldier to advance alone into a storm of enemy machine-gun fire? On 5 October 1918, near Exermont, France, Sergeant Michael B. Ellis answered that question with extraordinary bravery. Fighting with the U.S. Army's 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, he repeatedly attacked German strongpoints single-handedly, performing acts of heroism that would earn him the Medal of Honor, America's highest military decoration.

Born on 28 October 1894 in St. Louis, Missouri, Michael B. Ellis grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois. He enlisted in the United States Army in February 1912 and began his military career with the 7th Infantry Regiment. His early service included operations along the Mexican border and at Veracruz, for which the Mexican Service Medal is listed among his honours. After reenlisting, he joined Company C, 28th Infantry Regiment, and served in France with the American Expeditionary Forces during the First World War.

On the Western Front, Ellis earned a reputation for courage and determination. During the Aisne-Marne Offensive in July 1918, he distinguished himself around the Soissons sector by attacking German strongpoints and operating behind enemy positions. A contemporary account records that he captured a German company commander and another officer, then brought at least 50 prisoners back to American lines. His actions earned a military citation. The Silver Star is also recorded among his awards, although its original individual award order remains to be located.

His most extraordinary moment came during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. On 5 October 1918, as German machine guns threatened his company's advance near Exermont, Ellis moved ahead of the American assault line and attacked enemy positions alone.

At one emplacement, he killed two German soldiers and captured 17 others. Continuing through intense enemy fire, he captured another 27 prisoners, including two officers, together with six machine guns. When the captured officers disclosed the locations of four additional machine guns, Ellis attacked those positions and captured their crews as well.

His extraordinary conduct earned the Medal of Honor under War Department General Orders No. 74, dated 7 June 1919. The official citation praised his initiative and described his actions as demonstrating "marked heroism and fearlessness." General John J. Pershing personally presented Ellis with the decoration in 1919.

Ellis's wartime service also attracted international recognition. France appointed him a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour and awarded him the Croix de Guerre with Bronze Palm. His recorded foreign honours additionally included Italy's Croce al Merito di Guerra and Poland's Cross of Valour. His World War I Victory Medal reflected his participation in major American campaigns on the Western Front.

After rising to the rank of First Sergeant, Ellis returned to civilian life. Despite his remarkable military achievements, his postwar years brought personal and financial challenges. He died on 9 December 1937 in Chicago, Illinois, aged 43, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Michael B. Ellis remains an enduring example of courage under fire. From the fierce fighting around Soissons to his unforgettable actions at Exermont, his willingness to confront overwhelming danger secured his place among America's most distinguished First World War soldiers.