Paul Luther Bolden

The Medal of Honor Hero Who Refused to Surrender Severely wounded, outnumbered, and facing almost certain death, Paul Luther Bolden made a decision that would define his place in American military history. On December 23, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, he returned alone to a German stronghold after suffering devastating injuries. His extraordinary courage would earn him the Medal of Honor, America's highest military decoration. Born on June 15, 1922, in Hobbs Island, Alabama, Paul Luther Bolden grew up far from the battlefields of Europe. He entered the United States Army in October 1942 and eventually served with Company I, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, famously known as "Old Hickory." As American forces fought across France, Germany, and Belgium during World War II, Bolden distinguished himself through exceptional bravery and devotion to his fellow soldiers. His courage was evident months before his Medal of Honor action. During the fierce fighting around Mortain, France, in August 1944, Bolden volunteered for dangerous missions to recover desperately needed supplies for American troops surrounded by German forces. A contemporary account of his Bronze Star Medal citation describes how he and fellow soldiers penetrated enemy positions, encountered a German tank, and helped bring vital supplies back under heavy fire. His gallantry and initiative contributed to the defense of Hill 314. Historical records credit Bolden with four Bronze Star Medal awards, including recognition for valor. On August 12, 1944, Bolden demonstrated similar courage when he and another soldier entered enemy-held territory to recover supplies dropped by Allied aircraft. After advancing deep into German positions, they encountered an enemy machine-gun nest, destroyed it, and returned with essential provisions for their isolated comrades. For this remarkable action, Bolden received the Silver Star for gallantry under Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 68, dated October 3, 1944. But Bolden's most extraordinary test of courage was still to come. On December 23, 1944, near Petit-Coo, Belgium, Bolden's company was pinned down by devastating German machine-gun fire from a fortified house. With the American advance threatened, Staff Sergeant Bolden and a fellow soldier voluntarily crawled toward the enemy position through intense gunfire, mortar explosions, and artillery bombardment. Reaching the building, Bolden threw fragmentation and white phosphorus grenades through a window before charging through the doorway with his submachine gun. According to his official Medal of Honor citation, he killed 20 German SS soldiers before being struck in the shoulder, chest, and stomach. His comrade, providing covering fire from across the street, was killed. Seriously wounded and bleeding, Bolden withdrew, expecting the surviving enemy troops to surrender. When they refused, he gathered his remaining strength and entered the building again. Despite his injuries, he continued fighting until all 35 enemy soldiers had been killed and his ammunition was exhausted. His astonishing determination eliminated the German stronghold and allowed his company to complete its mission. For this extraordinary display of heroism, Bolden received the Medal of Honor, formally recorded in War Department General Orders No. 73, dated August 30, 1945. President Harry S. Truman personally presented him with the decoration at the White House on August 23, 1945. The cost of Bolden's wartime service was considerable. Historical accounts record two Purple Heart awards for wounds received in combat. His military service was also recognized by the Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars, and World War II Victory Medal. Bolden ultimately attained the rank of Master Sergeant before returning to civilian life in Alabama. He died on May 21, 1979, at the age of 56, and was laid to rest at Moon Cemetery in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama. His memory continues through the Paul Luther Bolden Memorial Highway and the generations who learn of his courage. Paul Luther Bolden's legacy is not simply the story of a soldier who defeated overwhelming odds. It is the story of a man who repeatedly risked everything for his comrades, who placed duty above personal safety, and who, even after being gravely wounded, refused to abandon the men depending on him. His courage remains an enduring example of the sacrifice and service that defined America's World War II generation.