Emory J. Pike-Des Moines, IA
Posted by: Don.Morfe
N 41° 35.316 W 093° 38.712
15T E 446223 N 4604301
World War I Medal of Honor Recipient for action in Vandieres, France on September 15, 1918. He was Killed in Action. He is buried in Woodland Cemetery, Des Moines, IA in Block 22, Gold Star Plot 8.
Waymark Code: WMWQDK
Location: Iowa, United States
Date Posted: 10/02/2017
Views: 0
He was born on December 17, 1876 in Columbus City, IA and died on September 16, 1918. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *PIKE, EMORY J.
Rank and Organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Division Machinegun Officer, 82d Division. Place and Date: Near Vandieres, France, 15 September 1918. Entered Service At: Des Moines, lowa. Birth: Columbia City, lowa. G. O. No.: 16, W.D., 1919.
Citation:
Having gone forward to reconnoiter new machinegun positions, Lt. Col. Pike offered his assistance in reorganizing advance infantry units which had become disorganized during a heavy artillery shelling. He succeeded in locating only about 20 men, but with these he advanced and when later joined by several infantry platoons rendered inestimable service in establishing outposts, encouraging all by his cheeriness, in spite of the extreme danger of the situation. When a shell had wounded one of the men in the outpost, Lt. Col. Pike immediately went to his aid and was severely wounded himself when another shell burst in the same place. While waiting to be brought to the rear, Lt. Col. Pike continued in command, still retaining his jovial manner of encouragement, directing the reorganization until the position could be held. The entire operation was carried on under terrific bombardment, and the example of courage and devotion to duty, as set by Lt. Col. Pike, established the highest standard of morale and confidence to all under his charge. The wounds he received were the cause of his death.
Armed Service: Army
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