Seymour W. Terry

Five enemy pillboxes had brought an American infantry company to a standstill. With machine-gun fire sweeping the battlefield, one young officer decided to confront the Japanese defenses himself. On 11 May 1945, First Lieutenant Seymour W. Terry launched a series of extraordinary assaults on Zebra Hill, Okinawa, displaying the courage that would earn him the Medal of Honor and cost him his life.

Born on 11 December 1918 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Seymour Woodrow Terry attended the University of Arkansas before joining the United States Army during World War II. He served with the 382nd Infantry Regiment of the 96th Infantry Division, known as the Deadeyes, and participated in two of the Pacific War's demanding campaigns, Leyte and Okinawa.

Terry first distinguished himself during the liberation of Leyte in October 1944. Accounts of his wartime service describe how he risked his life under enemy mortar fire to rescue a wounded soldier, an act of heroism associated with his Bronze Star Medal. His participation in the Leyte and Ryukyus campaigns qualified him for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, while his assault-landing participation supported an arrowhead device. His Philippine service also qualified him for the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two bronze service stars. His wartime service was recognized through the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

But his greatest test came on Okinawa.

On 11 May 1945, Terry commanded Company B in an attack against the heavily fortified Japanese defenses on Zebra Hill. Five pillboxes opened devastating fire, stopping the American advance. Rather than leave his soldiers exposed, Terry secured satchel charges and white phosphorus grenades and advanced directly toward the enemy positions.

He destroyed the first pillbox and continued attacking the remaining strongpoints. According to his official Medal of Honor citation, Terry destroyed three enemy machine guns and personally killed numerous Japanese defenders during the fighting. When the company was halted again by grenades from concealed trenches, he launched another attack alone, carrying explosives into the enemy positions and breaking their resistance.

Still determined to accomplish his mission, Terry crossed approximately 100 yards of exposed ground to rally a supporting platoon and organize a flanking attack. When that movement encountered further resistance, he once again advanced against the enemy, using grenades to drive the defenders from their positions. Inspired by his leadership, the supporting platoon surged forward and completed the attack.

Shortly afterward, while organizing his company to defend against a possible Japanese counterattack, Terry was mortally wounded by an enemy mortar shell. He died on 11 May 1945, at just 26 years of age. His Purple Heart recognized the wounds he suffered in combat.

For his extraordinary courage, selfless leadership, and sacrifice at Zebra Hill, Seymour W. Terry was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously under War Department General Orders No. 23, dated 6 March 1946. He was also promoted posthumously to captain. His citation recognized the exceptional bravery that made the successful completion of his company's mission possible.

Terry was buried at Roselawn Memorial Park in Little Rock, Arkansas. His memory was also honored by the University of Arkansas, which named the postwar Terry Village housing development in recognition of his service.

Seymour W. Terry's legacy is not simply that of a Medal of Honor recipient. It is the story of a soldier who repeatedly placed himself between his men and the enemy, determined that their mission would succeed even at the cost of his own life. His courage on Okinawa remains an enduring example of American military heroism during World War II.